BREAKING: Reality TV star Matt Wright has been found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice in connection with a deadly helicopter crash that resulted in the death of his co-star, Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson, and left pilot Sebastian Robinson paralyzed. The verdict was delivered on October 13, 2023, in the Supreme Court of Darwin, marking a significant turn in a case that has captivated audiences and shocked the nation.
The crash occurred during a February 2022 crocodile-egg collecting trip in Arnhem Land, where Wilson was suspended beneath the helicopter. Prosecutors accused Wright of misleading investigators about fuel levels and pressuring Robinson to falsify flying hours. The jury found him guilty on the first two counts but could not reach a consensus on a third charge related to allegations of tampering with maintenance records.
Outside the courthouse, Wright expressed his dismay, stating, “There are no winners from the trial,” and lamented the focus on him instead of the crash’s underlying causes. The emotional weight of the case was underscored by statements from Wilson’s widow, Dani Wilson, who condemned Wright’s actions, claiming they obstructed a thorough investigation. “Once again there will be an empty seat at the table,” she remarked, emphasizing the ongoing pain for her family as they approach another Father’s Day without their father.
The reaction from Robinson’s family was equally poignant. In a statement read by his brother, Zac Chellingworth, Robinson expressed that while the verdict provides some closure, the impacts of Wright’s actions remain deeply felt. “The scars of the defendant’s conduct are huge and permanent,” the statement read, reflecting the ongoing trauma faced by Robinson as he adapts to life in a wheelchair.
Wright’s legal battles are far from over. He is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on October 16, 2023, but plans to appeal the guilty verdicts. Meanwhile, Dani Wilson is pursuing a civil case against both Wright and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for accountability in the crash that claimed her husband’s life.
Detective Senior Sergeant Corey Borton, the lead investigator, confirmed that a coronial inquiry is pending, leaving open the possibility for further investigation into the crash’s circumstances. “My investigation team has spent three years on the job and got the result that we did,” Borton stated, highlighting the extensive efforts dedicated to uncovering the truth.
As this complex legal saga continues to unfold, the emotional toll on the victims’ families remains profound. The verdict not only serves as a pivotal moment in the courtroom but also as a reminder of the lasting consequences of the tragic incident that has forever altered the lives of those involved. This developing story is likely to resonate with audiences across the globe, drawing attention to issues of accountability and justice in aviation safety.
Stay tuned for updates on Wright’s sentencing and the upcoming civil case, as the repercussions of this crash continue to echo in the community.
