Jason Cochrane faced Armidale Local Court on negligent driving charges and driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

Magistrate Roger Prowse described Cochrane as a “motorised billiard ball” when he first appeared before the court in November last year. 

During that appearance Cochrane pleaded guilty to three counts of negligent driving, one charge of driving under the influence and one possession of a restricted substance charge.

Cochrane was meant to be sentenced on December 23 in Tamworth Local Court, however, the audio-visual link was unable to be established, causing his sentence to be adjourned. 

On Monday the court heard on October 10 Cochrane ran over a bollard, knocked over a sign and hit two cars while he was on prescription medication.

Cochrane’s defence said he was taking oxycodone for scoliosis and shoulder pain, but his prescription had ended in June 2013.

He was found to be on the medication when the incident occurred, with police also finding it in his possession.

The court was told the medication seriously affected Cochrane’s driving ability.

In sentencing Magistrate Karen Stafford said the facts of the matter were very disturbing as he caused significant damage when he drove through an intersection and roundabout, colliding with a bollard and sign before rear-ending a car at the Markham-Donnelly Street roundabout.

He then left the scene to collect his wallet so he could exchange details with the other driver. 

Cochrane then collided with a parked car in Beardy Street, causing it to flip on to its roof.

Magistrate Stafford said while Cochrane had “very strong subjective factors” in his case, having suffered from health problems and dealing with the loss of two wives in tragic circumstances, she said they did not outweigh public safety.

Cochrane was sentence to nine months jail, with a non-parole period of two months, and was disqualified from driving for three years. 

He was also placed on a two-year good behaviour bond.