In brief
Matt Wright, famed crocodile wrangler and television personality, has been sentenced to five months in prison for evidence tampering related to a helicopter crash that resulted in the death of his co-star and serious injuries to the pilot. The court found him guilty of lying to police and pressuring the injured pilot to alter flight records. While his prison sentence will be partially suspended, the case has revealed troubling practices within the helicopter industry concerning flight record falsifications. Wright, who was praised for his community contributions, intends to appeal the verdict.
Celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright will spend five months in prison for tampering with evidence after a helicopter crash that killed his co-star and left the pilot a paraplegic.
In August, the former Netflix star was found guilty of lying to police and pressuring a hospitalised witness after the 2022 crash in the Northern Territory (NT).
On Friday, Acting Justice Alan Blow handed Wright a 10-month prison term, which will be suspended after he has served half of it. He was also fined A$5,000 ($3,300; £2,500).
Justice Blow said Wright had shown no remorse but was very unlikely to reoffend in any significant way in the future.
Wright was convicted of charges related to a helicopter crash in February 2022 in Arnhem Land, which resulted in the death of his co-star Chris Willow Wilson and serious injuries to the pilot, Sebastian Robinson.
Wright, who was not in the helicopter at the time, was one of the first to arrive at the crash site and was later accused of lying to authorities about the fuel levels in the helicopter.
The trial revealed extravagant efforts to cover up alleged falsifications in flight maintenance records, particularly as it was common practice to disconnect flight hour meters. Prosecutors contended that Wright was concerned about being implicated in these questionable practices following the incident.
Wright’s involvement in the case has raised ethical questions surrounding the helicopter industry and highlighted potentially systemic issues involving negligence in flight safety management.
The maximum sentence for these charges could have reached up to 15 years in prison. However, the judge took into account Wright’s previously clean record and community contributions in his sentencing decision.
As revelations unfolded during the trial, several witnesses regarded Wright as a significant figure within the local aviation community, with many expressing admiration for his leadership.
Wright’s defense team has indicated intentions to appeal the verdicts, arguing that the charges should not overshadow his contributions to community and tourism.
The jury was deadlocked on a third charge concerning a request Wright made to a confidant to tamper with the helicopter's maintenance records, which remains unresolved.
