The legal team representing Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has launched a fierce attack on a senior police officer, alleging that comments made in a television interview were 'potentially defamatory' and could prejudice Wright's upcoming appeal.
A Controversial Conviction and the Aftermath
In August, a Supreme Court jury in Darwin found Wright guilty of two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice following a four-week trial. The charges stemmed from a fatal helicopter crash in February 2022 in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, which killed his best friend and co-star, Chris 'Willow' Wilson, and left pilot Sebastian Robinson a paraplegic.
The court heard that the pair were on a crocodile egg collection mission, with Mr Wilson suspended on a 30-metre line below the aircraft to access remote nests. The Air Transport Safety Bureau later concluded the helicopter crashed after running out of fuel, causing engine failure. Wright was convicted of lying to crash investigators about the fuel levels and of attempting to pressure Mr Robinson to falsify his flying hours.
Police Interview Sparks Legal Fury
The new controversy emerged after Detective Senior Sergeant Corey Borton gave an interview to the 7NEWS Spotlight programme on September 28. Wright's lawyer, Anthony Jefferies, has since written a formal complaint to the NT Police, claiming the detective's statements were 'highly unprofessional and defamatory'.
In the interview, Det Snr Sgt Borton commented on Wright and his wife Kaia's temporary relocation to Queensland, suggesting it was an 'impulsive move' made because Wright 'knew something was afoot' with the police investigation.
Mr Jefferies refuted this, stating the move was planned before the fatal crash due to medical complications with Kaia's second pregnancy. 'Mrs Wright was at the time pregnant with her second child and suffering from endometriosis,' he explained, adding that linking the trip to the court case was 'highly prejudicial and unbecoming of a police officer'.
The detective also claimed the helicopter involved was 'not... serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's directions', a statement Wright's lawyer also labelled as defamatory and based on 'unfounded personal assumptions'.
Official Review and Next Steps
In response to the complaint, NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole confirmed to news.com.au that the matter has been referred to the Professional Standards Command for review. 'If there is a finding of breach, it will be dealt with in accordance with the relevant procedures,' Commissioner Dole stated.
A spokesman for NT Police added that complaints are dealt with internally 'ensuring transparency and accountability'. The matter remains under investigation, with no findings made public yet.
Meanwhile, Matt Wright, who gave an emotional statement after his conviction, has confirmed that an appeal is underway, with a hearing expected to be held in December.
