Exclusive
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An Illawarra man stabbed in the chest while watching the State of Origin at a home in Koonawarra on Wednesday night says his unborn daughter consumed his thoughts in the moments after he was attacked.
Ivan Buchanan spoke exclusively to the Mercury from his hospital bed on Thursday evening, just hours after undergoing surgery to repair a 15cm-long gash on his right upper chest.
His mate of 20 years, Lindsey Cochrane, faced Wollongong Local Court on Friday accused of wielding the blade.
Police allege an argument between the two men over Cochrane’s treatment of his girlfriend preceded the stabbing.
Mr Buchanan admitted remembering little of what occurred immediately before or after the incident, saying everything happened in an instant.
“I think there was [an argument] but I’m not really sure ‘cause at that time it was just too quick,” he said, while showing the Mercury his wound, which required 22 stitches.
“Things just happened so quick….just heaps vivid, you know.
“I don’t really know much of it because I was just in shock….I never thought he would do something like that.”
Cochrane was arrested at his Wyndarra Way home on Thursday afternoon.
During a subsequent interview with police, he allegedly admitted to the stabbing but could not provide an explanation for why it occurred.
Court documents said Cochrane told police he, Mr Buchanan and some friends were in a bedroom at the Walbon Crescent home when he began to argue with Mr Buchanan.
He said he saw a knife on a drawer and picked it up, holding the blade downwards.
He claims Mr Buchanan was a metre away from him and yelling when he lashed out at him, stabbing him in the chest.
Cochrane said he stood still for about 30 seconds before dropping the knife on the floor and walking home, where he fell asleep.
Meantime, police say Mr Buchanan was lowered onto a nearby bed by his friends, who applied pressure to his wound while emergency services were contacted.
When asked what was going through his mind at the time, Mr Buchanan said he only had thoughts for his unborn daughter.
“My little baby girl...’cause I’ve got a little baby girl on the way and she’s ready to pop in 13 weeks,” he said.
In court on Friday, Cochrane appeared distressed when informed his charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm carried a maximum prison sentence of 25 years, with a standard non-parole period of 7 years. The court heard he was currently on a suspended prison sentence for intimidation.
Defence lawyer Tyrone Phillips said Cochrane would agree to report to police daily if released on bail and his family could lodge a $1000 surety to ensure he turned up to court.
However, Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused bail on account of concerns for community safety.
Mr Phillips said an assessment of Cochrane’s mental health at the time may help explain his alleged actions.
The case returns to court later this year.