Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright to face trial three years after his best mate died in helicopter crash while collecting crocodile eggs
Three years after a tragic helicopter crash that killed his friend, Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright will finally face trial on charges related to the accident investigation.
Three years after a tragic helicopter crash that killed his friend, Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright will finally face trial on charges related to the accident investigation.
Following a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday Chief Justice Michael Grant set an eight-week trial date beginning on July 7, 2025.
The Netflix television series celebrity pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice following the crash that killed co-star Chris Willow Wilson in 2022.
The single charge relates to alleged behaviour in the aftermath of the crash in West Arnhem Land, where pilot Sebastian Robinson was also seriously injured.
In the NT Supreme Court in Darwin, senior crown prosecutor Steve Ledek said charges currently before the Darwin Local Court would also be added to the indictment and explored at trial.
Thats a process that wont take much time, he told the court.
Weve already incorporated materials to provide (Wrights lawyers) ... we need to add those because they relate to specific, identifiable acts or criminal conduct.
Ledek also said a surveillance device held by the prosecution has now been provided to the defence.
Matt Wright (pictured with his wife and children) pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice following the crash that killed co-star Chris Willow Wilson in 2022
The trial date has been set to begin on July 7 in 2025 (pictured Matt Wright and wife Kaia)
It is expected the prosecution will call 125 witnesses.
Wrights barrister Frank Merenda explained a subpoena issued to NT Police Commissioner Micheal Murphy and NT Police needed to be reissued following several mistakes in the legal requirements of that document.
Justice Grant said there were several issues with the subpoena including it didnt comply with practices of the court.
The first was that it … was not in accordance with the practice of this court thats been in place for 21 years, he said.
(The) second problem was it was faulty, in any event, on its face, because it had the date of production as the date it was filed.
Chris Willow Wilson (pictured with his wife Danielle) was killed in a helicopter crash three years ago
Wright turned his head from side to side as he followed the heated exchange between the bench and Justice Grant.
Wrights counsel said the subpoena would be refiled in accordance with the court.
The matter is scheduled for pre-trial hearing on October 25.
