Chaos as Wrangler lands in Darwin
OUTBACK Wrangler star Matt Wright, 43, arrived at Darwin airport amid chaotic scenes after boarding a flight from Sydney on Tuesday morning.
His flight touched down about 11.35am ACST Tuesday.
Police are now investigating the alleged assault of a cameraman after a group of men surrounded Mr Wright as he walked through the airport and pushed away the waiting cameras.
It comes after NT Police issued a warrant for the reality television star’s arrest on Monday morning,
He has until 9am Wednesday to attend a Darwin police station.
Mr Wright is expected to be charged with several offences, including perverting the course of justice, destruction of evidence, fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses and two counts of unlawful entry following a fatal chopper crash in February this year that killed his close mate Chris “Willow” Wilson.
Mr Wright has strenuously denied allegations of wrongdoing in relation to the helicopter crash.
In a statement, a spokesman for Mr Wright said: “Matt strenuously denies any wrongdoing. What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate.”
“His immediate concern following the accident was the condition of the two team members on board at the time,” the spokesman said.
“The next priority was ensuring the other helicopters and team members at the site weren’t at risk and that the location was safe.
“Matt will not be making any further statement but he will be vigorously defending the charges.”
Mr Wilson, 34, was on a job collecting crocodile eggs in a remote area of West Arnhem Land when the helicopter he was travelling in crashed on February 28.
Chopper pilot Sebastian Robinson suffered serious spinal injuries in the crash.
Mr Wright was one of four people who subsequently flew to the scene in another helicopter.
Two of those people – helicopter pilot Michael Burbidge and police officer Neil Mellon – have been charged with various offences, including destroying evidence.
Last month a court heard one of the NT’s most prominent businessmen – crocodile farmer Mick Burns – was also at the crash site and was “inextricably linked” to the events. There are no suggestions, and the court did not hear any evidence or allegations of, any wrongdoing against Mr Burns.