Owen threatened to kill prosecutor after being found guilty
LENNOX Head identity Louise Owen yesterday threatened to kill the crown prosecutor, after she was found guilty over a fatal car crash in 2012.
The verdict, reached after two hours deliberation, following the six-day District Court trial, relates to a crash on the Bruxner Hwy at Casino that killed 62-year-old Casino grandmother, Heather Flack.
Owen was found guilty of dangerous driving occasioning death, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.
There were dramatic scenes in the courtroom after the verdict was handed down.
In my opinion I didn't do anything wrong, and at this point in time it's very difficult to accept what's been said
- Louise Owen
The sheriff's officer was asked to give evidence when the court became aware of Owen's emotional outburst.
"I'm instructed there were threats made after the verdict," Judge L Wells said.
The sheriff's officer testified Owen had said the verdict was a travesty of justice and "I'm not coming back to this place.
"That crown, I'll f**king kill him," the sheriff's officer told the court Owen had said twice after the verdict was handed down.
The outburst led to the prosecution opposing bail.
Owen also had her driver's licence suspended.
"I'm not so much concerned for my safety, I'm concerned for the safety of the community, individuals and victims," the prosecutor said.
When questioned by Judge Wells, Owen apologised about what she said.
"In my opinion I didn't do anything wrong, and at this point in time it's very difficult to accept what's been said."
Detective Phil Priest of the North Coast Crash Investigation Unit said the verdict was the end of a two and a half year investigation.
"Collisions of this nature always result in a protracted investigation, as in some situations it's very complex," Det Priest said.
In granting bail Judge Wells ordered Owen not to drive, not to commit offences, not to contact prosecutors, witnesses, court officers or members of the Flack family.
She ordered Owen to report at Ballina police station twice weekly and surrender her passport within 48 hours.
She will be sentenced in December.
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