Outback Wrangler Matt Wright Faces Financial Ruin and Self-Representation in Court
Matt Wright, the renowned star of television series Outback Wrangler and Wild Croc Territory, finds himself in dire financial straits and is preparing to defend himself in court without legal representation. Currently incarcerated in Darwin, Wright is serving a five-month prison sentence for attempting to pervert the course of justice, a conviction that stems from a tragic helicopter crash.
Legal Battle Over Fatal Helicopter Crash
The Federal Court proceedings, initiated in 2023 by Danielle Wilson, the widow of Wright's best friend and co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson, seek damages for personal injury and loss of income. The fatal incident occurred in February 2022 in a remote area of the Northern Territory, when Mr Wilson fell to his death while dangling from a helicopter owned by Wright during a crocodile egg collection mission.
During a recent court mention, it was revealed that Wright can no longer afford legal counsel. His former lawyer, David Newey of Gillis Delaney, formally withdrew after being terminated, stating, 'Moving forward, I can indicate Mr Wright intends to be self-represented. He won't be engaging lawyers and he has no funds to do so.'
Concerns Over Evidence Tampering
The court heard serious concerns about Wright potentially tampering with evidence. Ms Wilson's lawyer highlighted Wright's previous conviction for falsifying critical aircraft records, warning, 'If Mr Wright gets hold of these documents, gets personal control without anyone else having a copy, there is a very real risk they won't be discovered, and they are critical documents.'
Wright's company, Helibrook, which is now in liquidation, is also named in the lawsuit alongside the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legal action adds to Wright's mounting troubles, following his December sentencing to 10 months in prison, suspended after five months, for two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice related to the crash.
Investigation Findings and Additional Legal Issues
An Australian Transport Safety Bureau report determined that the helicopter's engine failed mid-flight due to a lack of fuel. During the emergency landing, pilot Sebastian Robinson released hooks and the sling line carrying Mr Wilson. Mr Robinson, who survived with life-long injuries, was found to have traces of cocaine in his system and had not refuelled as necessary.
In a related case, a former pilot and friend of Wilson was convicted and fined $15,000 for destroying Wright's mobile phone after the crash. Wright's financial and legal woes were further compounded in early February when he received a $10,000 fine for landing his helicopter in his backyard in rural Darwin, contravening a development permit.
Darwin Local Court Judge Greg Macdonald noted Wright's 'spectacular fall from grace,' acknowledging that his world was 'crumbling into a quagmire' of legal conflicts. Justice Elizabeth Raper has adjourned the Federal Court matter until March 27 to allow Wright to attend future hearings, as he navigates this complex web of litigation from behind bars.
