BREAKING: Reality TV star Matt Wright is facing serious legal troubles after a jury heard he attempted to secure the phone of a critically injured pilot following a fatal helicopter crash. This urgent case is unfolding in the Supreme Court in Darwin, where Wright has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The charges stem from a tragic incident in February 2022, when Wright’s friend and co-star, Chris “Willow” Wilson, was killed during a crocodile-egg collecting mission in the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land. Pilot Sebastian Robinson, now 32, was left paraplegic after the crash, prompting significant concern and scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In dramatic testimony shared via video link, Robinson’s partner, Rhanii Lee, recounted visiting him in a Brisbane hospital shortly after the crash. She revealed an emotional scene, stating that Robinson’s colleague, Tim Johnson, was visibly shaken upon seeing him in the ICU. “He couldn’t believe this had happened, how heartbreaking it was to see Sebastian,” Lee said.
Lee further disclosed that Johnson was instructed by Wright to retrieve Robinson’s phone, a request the family ultimately rejected. “We thought ‘no,’ so we didn’t hand him the phone,” she explained. This shocking revelation has added a layer of urgency to the case, as prosecutors allege that Wright feared investigators would uncover potential misconduct, including evidence of falsified paperwork and the disconnection of the helicopter’s meters to extend flying hours beyond legal limits.
Prosecutors also allege Wright attempted to persuade Robinson to transfer flying hours from the crashed helicopter to his own aircraft during a hospital visit, 11 days post-accident. Notably, the charges against Wright do not imply he is responsible for the crash or the injuries sustained by Robinson.
During cross-examination, Lee confirmed that she and Robinson had attended a party just days before the crash. The defense has painted Robinson as a “party animal,” raising questions about his past. However, she affirmed that Robinson never flew while under the influence of drugs, despite previous allegations. Email exchanges revealed family members had smuggled beer into the hospital for Robinson, further complicating the narrative.
In a twist, defense counsel David Edwardson KC has argued that significant credibility issues exist surrounding the testimonies from Robinson’s family. As tensions mount, Acting Justice Allan Blow has adjourned proceedings until 10 AM on Tuesday for further legal arguments, leaving the jury eager for the next developments in this high-profile case.
This story is rapidly evolving, capturing the attention of both fans and the public alike. As the court proceedings continue, many are left questioning the impacts of this tragic incident and the implications it may have for all involved.
