Brisbane, Australia — The ongoing trial of Matt Wright, a prominent crocodile wrangler and television personality, has drawn significant attention as the jury considers the evidence presented regarding a fatal helicopter crash that severely injured pilot Sebastian Robinson. The courtroom proceedings have featured emotional testimonies from Robinson’s family, highlighting the tumultuous aftermath of the crash and alleged attempts to manipulate flight records.
Today, the jury heard testimony primarily from members of Robinson’s family. Zac Chellingworth, Robinson’s brother and a CareFlight aircraft engineer, recounted a conversation with Wright following the crash. Chellingworth claimed that Wright suggested he should alter the helicopter’s flight logs and delete certain information from his phone. He described those instructions as deeply unsettling and indicative of Wright’s desire to cover up potential discrepancies.
Further insights were provided by Jim Carew, Robinson’s uncle, who revealed that he recorded part of Wright’s second visit to the hospital at the request of Robinson’s mother, Noelene Chellingworth. Carew noted that during this visit, Wright again inquired about obtaining flight hours documentation from Robinson, prompting deeper scrutiny into Wright’s intentions.
Glen Smith, the caretaker of the property where Robinson lived, reported that after the accident, both Wright and his associate visited the premises without directly communicating the nature of their visit. The testimony suggested a sense of unease regarding the motivations behind these visits, raising questions about the appropriateness of Wright’s actions in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
Noelene Chellingworth, the final witness of the day, recalled distressing moments when Wright’s colleague, Tim Johnston, arrived at the hospital. Johnston reportedly expressed a desire to retrieve Robinson’s pilot diary and phone at Wright’s behest, leaving family members visibly shaken by the implications of such a request. Chellingworth stated her concern over the conversation, emphasizing the emotional toll it took on Robinson’s family.
Wright’s defense has characterized his actions as attempts to assist, contending that there is no malice or intent to deceive. However, cross-examinations have introduced skepticism regarding this narrative, with family members denying they ever conspired to deflect blame. They described their focus solely on supporting Robinson during this traumatic time.
Text messages and phone records relevant to the case are under investigation, and the court has emphasized the importance of meticulously reviewing evidence to ascertain the truth. The trial continues to captivate the public and serve as a poignant reminder of the tragic consequences that can follow aviation accidents.
As the jury prepares to deliberate further, the trial is set to resume tomorrow, with the court aiming to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.
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