Reality television star Matt Wright has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for attempting to pervert the course of justice following a helicopter crash that killed his co-star. The 47-year-old, known for the programme Outback Wrangler, appeared before the Supreme Court in Darwin on Friday.
The crash occurred in February 2022 during a crocodile-egg collecting trip in Arnhem Land. Wright's friend and co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson died, and pilot Sebastian Robinson was left paraplegic. Wright was found guilty of lying to crash investigators about the amount of fuel in the helicopter and of trying to persuade Mr Robinson to falsify flying hours.
Acting Justice Alan Blow sentenced Wright to 10 months' imprisonment, suspended after five months, with a two-year good behaviour order. He was also fined $5,000 for lying to police. The judge noted Wright's 'callousness' in pressuring Robinson to falsify records shortly after he emerged from a coma and learned he would never walk again.
The court heard that the helicopter had exceeded its maximum flight time of 2,200 hours, which should have led to its retirement or an overhaul. Wright, as holder of an air operating licence, had a duty to ensure safety. The prosecution did not allege he caused the crash, but that he tried to cover up evidence to avoid charges.
Justice Blow acknowledged Wright's contributions to the community through tourism businesses and charity work, but said the attempts to pervert justice were serious. Wright's lawyers are appealing the convictions. The maximum penalty for the offence is 15 years' imprisonment.
