TV star has bail amended
Matt Wright in court over chopper incident
OUTBACK Wrangler star Matt Wright has had his bail amended after being charged in relation to an alleged conspiracy surrounding the fatal chopper crash which claimed his mate’s life.
Matthew Nicholas Wright was supported by his legal team and a woman as he walked into Darwin Local Court flanked by a large press pack.
The 43-year-old reality television star faces seven charges in relation to the helicopter crash that claimed the life of his friend, Chris “Willow” Wilson.
The 34-year-old father and fellow Outback Wrangler star was killed during a crocodile egg collecting expedition along the King River in a remote area of West Arnhem Land.
Police have alleged Wright was part of a conspiracy to cover up evidence in relation to the fatal crash.
Nine months after the crash, Wright was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence and fabricating evidence relating to the fatal chopper crash.
He was also charged with unlawfully entering a building, unlawfully entering a dwelling and making a false declaration.
Police also charged Wright with making threats or reprisals to interfere with witnesses involved in a criminal investigation.
His defence barrister told the court Wright was attempting to vary his bail, just over 12 hours after being released from Palmerston police station.
Prosecutor Victoria Engel said there were six bail amendments that would make his conditions more “onerous”.
This included payment of a security and an own recognisance agreement.
Judge John Neill granted bail.
It is understood his earlier bail conditions included bans on contacting certain people and instructed him to only reside at a particular address. More than 20 reporters and camera operators waited outside the Darwin Local Court for two and a half hours waiting for the seven-minute hearing.
The hearing will continue on January 25, for a preliminary examination mention.
Remote Helicopters Australia director and chief pilot Michael Keith Burbidge and former Acting Senior Sergeant Neil Ryan Mellon have been charged over the chopper crash. The court was briefly interrupted by a woman who asked why two journalists were asked to move from their seats to make way for Wright and a female supporter.
Wright was silent as he was bombarded with questions as he left the court thronged by media and walked towards a waiting car.
His lawyer. David Newey told the press pack outside the Darwin Local Court his client continued to “strenuously deny” the charges.
“He is disappointed that charges have been laid over what was a tragic accident that took the life of Matt’s closest friend, Chris Wilson,” he said.
Mr Newey asked the media to respect the privacy of his client, and his wife who gave birth to their daughter Dusty 13 days ago, as well as the grieving family of Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.