Matt Wright Faces Trial Over Alleged Evidence Tampering in Fatal Helicopter Crash
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Matt Wright, known for his role in "Outback Wrangler," is on trial for allegedly attempting to pervert the course of justice following a fatal helicopter crash in 2022.
- The crash resulted in the death of Chris "Willow" Wilson and serious injury to pilot Sebastian Robinson, with Wright accused of tampering with evidence post-incident.
- Prosecutors allege Wright manipulated helicopter logs and attempted to destroy evidence, while the defense argues the original records were ultimately provided to authorities.
- Covert recordings and witness testimonies are central to the prosecution's case, with Wright's defense challenging the credibility of these sources.
- The trial, expected to last up to five weeks, is being held in the Northern Territory Supreme Court, with Wright pleading not guilty to all charges.
The trial of Matt Wright, a renowned crocodile wrangler and reality TV star, commenced this week in the Northern Territory Supreme Court. Wright, known for his appearances on "Outback Wrangler" and "Wild Croc Territory," is facing three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice following a tragic helicopter crash in February 2022. The incident resulted in the death of his co-star Chris "Willow" Wilson and left pilot Sebastian Robinson seriously injured.
Allegations of Evidence Tampering
Prosecutors allege that Wright, who was not on board the helicopter but arrived early at the crash site in Arnhem Land, manipulated the helicopter's dashboard and falsely reported its fuel tank level. The prosecution, led by Jason Gullaci SC, claims Wright engaged in "systemic under-recording" of flight hours, fearing that investigations might implicate him in regulatory breaches. Covert recordings, including conversations at Wright's home, are pivotal to the prosecution's case, with one transcript allegedly capturing Wright instructing associates to "torch" evidence.
Defense Challenges Credibility
Wright's defense team, led by David Edwardson SC, disputes the prosecution's claims, arguing that under-recording flight hours was a common practice among pilots in the Northern Territory. The defense maintains that the original flight records were eventually submitted to authorities and questions the reliability of the covert recordings. Edwardson also challenges the credibility of pilot Sebastian Robinson's testimony, suggesting inconsistencies in his account.
Context and Implications
The crash occurred during a crocodile egg-harvesting operation, with Wilson and Robinson working as subcontractors for Wright's company. As the chief pilot and head of flight operations at Helibrook, Wright was responsible for adhering to aviation safety regulations. The prosecution argues that Wright's alleged actions compromised the aircraft's airworthiness by exceeding its flying-hour threshold without necessary maintenance.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the trial unfolds, the outcome could have significant implications for aviation safety practices in the Northern Territory. A conviction might prompt stricter regulatory oversight and changes in how flight hours are recorded and monitored. Conversely, an acquittal could raise questions about the integrity of evidence collection and the use of covert recordings in legal proceedings. Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, potentially influencing both aviation policy and the entertainment industry's approach to high-risk activities.
Matt Wright Faces Trial Over Alleged Evidence Tampering in Fatal Helicopter Crash
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Matt Wright, known for his role in "Outback Wrangler," is on trial for allegedly attempting to pervert the course of justice following a fatal helicopter crash in 2022.
- The crash resulted in the death of Chris "Willow" Wilson and serious injury to pilot Sebastian Robinson, with Wright accused of tampering with evidence post-incident.
- Prosecutors allege Wright manipulated helicopter logs and attempted to destroy evidence, while the defense argues the original records were ultimately provided to authorities.
- Covert recordings and witness testimonies are central to the prosecution's case, with Wright's defense challenging the credibility of these sources.
- The trial, expected to last up to five weeks, is being held in the Northern Territory Supreme Court, with Wright pleading not guilty to all charges.
The trial of Matt Wright, a renowned crocodile wrangler and reality TV star, commenced this week in the Northern Territory Supreme Court. Wright, known for his appearances on "Outback Wrangler" and "Wild Croc Territory," is facing three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice following a tragic helicopter crash in February 2022. The incident resulted in the death of his co-star Chris "Willow" Wilson and left pilot Sebastian Robinson seriously injured.
Allegations of Evidence Tampering
Prosecutors allege that Wright, who was not on board the helicopter but arrived early at the crash site in Arnhem Land, manipulated the helicopter's dashboard and falsely reported its fuel tank level. The prosecution, led by Jason Gullaci SC, claims Wright engaged in "systemic under-recording" of flight hours, fearing that investigations might implicate him in regulatory breaches. Covert recordings, including conversations at Wright's home, are pivotal to the prosecution's case, with one transcript allegedly capturing Wright instructing associates to "torch" evidence.
Defense Challenges Credibility
Wright's defense team, led by David Edwardson SC, disputes the prosecution's claims, arguing that under-recording flight hours was a common practice among pilots in the Northern Territory. The defense maintains that the original flight records were eventually submitted to authorities and questions the reliability of the covert recordings. Edwardson also challenges the credibility of pilot Sebastian Robinson's testimony, suggesting inconsistencies in his account.
Context and Implications
The crash occurred during a crocodile egg-harvesting operation, with Wilson and Robinson working as subcontractors for Wright's company. As the chief pilot and head of flight operations at Helibrook, Wright was responsible for adhering to aviation safety regulations. The prosecution argues that Wright's alleged actions compromised the aircraft's airworthiness by exceeding its flying-hour threshold without necessary maintenance.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the trial unfolds, the outcome could have significant implications for aviation safety practices in the Northern Territory. A conviction might prompt stricter regulatory oversight and changes in how flight hours are recorded and monitored. Conversely, an acquittal could raise questions about the integrity of evidence collection and the use of covert recordings in legal proceedings. Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, potentially influencing both aviation policy and the entertainment industry's approach to high-risk activities.