Pilot's alleged spray at Outback Wrangler
Sebastian Robinson on Friday finished giving evidence after being grilled over four days in the trial of Aussie reality television star, Matt Wright.
The Apple TV and Netflix star has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice during the investigation into a chopper crash that killed his co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson.
It is not alleged Mr Wright is responsible for the crash.
On Friday the Northern Territory jury heard about the 'Australia Day incident' where the 28-year-old pilot and Mr Wright had a fight a month before the fatal crash. Pilot Sebastian Robinson and Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright on a crocodile egg collecting mission in January 2016. Photo: Supplied Credit: Supplied
Mr Robinson said on January 26, he, Mr Wilson and fellow pilot Michael Burbidge were contracted for a crocodile egg collecting mission at the mouth of the Daly River, in the NT.
The jury was shown photos of the chopper with an oncoming Wet Season storm looming in the background.
Mr Robinson said he radioed Mr Burbidge to say 'it was too dangerous to continue, because the storm was huge', and they mutually agreed to head back into town.
He said they went back to the Noonamah Tavern to watch the traditional Australia Day 'ute run' and have a 'beer and a feed'. Outback Wrangler Matt Wright and his wife Kaia Wright approaching the Supreme Court in Darwin. NewsWire / Pema Tamang Pakhrin Credit: NewsWire Pilot Sebastian Robinson during filming of Kane Chenoweth's documentary Sky Cowboy in February 2022. Credit: Supplied
Mr Robinson said Mr Wright called him 'very hostile and abusive', telling the young pilot 'What the f--k are youse doing back? Egg collecting's not meant to be f—king easy'.
'You sit out there, you f--king ... you wait the weather out. You f--king deal with it,' Mr Wright allegedly said.
The jury has previously heard Mr Wright was not able to take part in egg collecting missions in early 2022 because he was an 'anti-vaxxer'.
'I told him to get f--ked, get vaccinated and fly his own helicopter,' Mr Robinson said on Friday.
In a group chat with Mr Burbidge and Mr Wilson, the young pilot alleged Mr Wright 'called us all bludgers' for pulling out of the dangerous conditions.
The young pilot this contributed to his decision to leave Mr Wright's Helibrook, and he establishing his own company Arnhem Helicopters.
Mr Wright sent Mr Robinson a message the next day saying he was 'sorry for blowing up'.
The trial continues on Monday.
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an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Predators try to hide their 'horrific' crimes. These detectives work to uncover them
PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story
West Australian
3 hours ago
- West Australian
Trial for Outback Wrangler Matt Wright hears explosive claims
A Netflix reality star 'idolised' by his staff was an 'anti-vaxxer' who broke Covid-19 laws and was allegedly secretly recorded talking about tinkering with flight records while visiting a chopper crash survivor left paraplegic in hospital, a jury has heard. The extraordinary claims about Outback Wrangler Matt Wright were made this week during his trial in the Northern Territory Supreme Court, where he is charged with three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The 45-year-old celebrity is accused of failing to accurately record flight times in the Robinson-R-44 that crashed in February 2022, killing his co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson. It is not alleged Mr Wright is responsible for the crash. Mr Wilson, 34, was dangling from a sling attached to the helicopter during a dangerous crocodile egg collecting mission when the chopper crashed in Arnhem Land. CHOPPER RECORDS ALLEGEDLY FUDGED Pilot Seb Robinson, who survived the crash but is now a paraplegic, testified his former boss was an 'anti-vaxxer' despite Mr Wright going to two Covid restricted areas – the remote helicopter crash site and the injured pilot's Brisbane hospital room. He told the jury the main reason Mr Wright was not on the egg mission was 'because he was an anti-vaxxer'. At the time, there were strict Covid rules for anyone entering remote areas in the Territory, where they needed to provide proof of vaccination and take a rapid antigen test. The jury previously heard Mr Wright flew to the crash site with Wild Harvest NT director Mick Burns and off-duty senior NT Police officer Neil Mellon. Following the crash, Mr Robinson spent one month in hospital, where Covid restrictions meant two people could visit and everyone needed to provide a valid vaccination certificate. Mr Robinson said he had just come out of a coma, was heavily sedated and 'hallucinating' but 'vaguely' remembered a visit from Mr Wright and his wife Kaia on March 11. 'I have a vivid memory of him having some sort of paperwork in his hands,' Mr Robinson said. He alleged his boss wanted to move 'a few' hours from the crashed helicopter – with the call sign IDW – to Mr Robinson's personal chopper, with the call sign ZXZ. Mr Robinson, 28, also alleged Mr Wright 'asked to go through my phone and delete a few things'. 'I remember looking over and seeing him holding my phone and flicking through it and deleting things,' Mr Robinson said. The jury heard the former pilot also deleted 'some stuff', including phone notes for start and stop times for IDW during egg collection trips. 'It was a very hard time for me. I didn't know who to trust and I panicked and went along with it,' he said. Mr Robinson alleged on Mr Wright's second hospital visit he brought Jai Thomlinson to again discuss the transfer of hours from IDW to ZXZ. 'I just remember having concerns about what was happening,' Mr Robinson said. 'I said I didn't feel comfortable doing it,' he said. 'I don't think (Mr Wright) was upset … he sort of said: 'That's OK.'' A secret mobile audio recording of this hospital visit allegedly captured Mr Wright talking about IDW flight times over the phone. Mr Robinson admitted he initially repeatedly lied to investigators because he 'panicked' and was worried about losing his pilot's licence. PILOT'S COCAINE PARTYING Mr Robinson admitted he used cocaine 'a couple times a year' – up to 10 times over 12 months – but he denied he was a 'raging cocaine junkie'. The former pilot said he had never flown a helicopter while intoxicated, either by drugs or alcohol. He admitted he sometimes supplied cocaine for his mates and footy players, as well as flying small amounts of booze into Aboriginal communities. But Mr Robinson denied being a 'drug dealer' while being questioned about a series of texts about his wild partying. Mr Wright's defence counsel David Edwardson accused Mr Robinson of 'sourcing and supplying' cocaine from 2018 to the time of the crash. Mr Edwardson read messages from the pilot's friends asking 'are you getting more coke?', 'Seb any chance you know where to get the good stuff?' and 'anyone got bags?'. In one message exchange, Mr Robinson told a friend he was 'crook as a dog', with his mate replying 'snorting too much coke out of Matty's arse?'. Mr Robinson said the friend knew Mr Wright. But the lawyer has said the reality star had a 'zero tolerance' approach to drugs. Under cross-examination, Mr Robinson was also grilled about a message sent to a mate in November 2019, saying there were 'footy players in town wanting bags' and other texts referring to 'zingers' and 'pills'. 'Are you implying I'm a drug dealer? … No,' Mr Robinson said. While Mr Robinson did not believe he was a trafficker, Justice Alan Blow explained: 'It is trafficking, even if you're not making any money for yourself.' Trace amounts of cocaine were detected in Mr Robinson's blood, which prosecutor Jason Gullaci said experts were likely to say was from use days before the crash. Mr Robinson admitted to flying in booze to remote communities, but said he did not sell the alcohol. He said 'on occasion' he would take a small amount of alcohol under the seat of his chopper for people in Arnhem Land. PILOT'S INJURIES Mr Robinson said his last memory from that fateful day was 'having a laugh' with his mate in the chopper. The jury was shown a photo of Mr Wilson piloting the Robinson R-44, with the image appearing to capture the fuel gauge between three-quarters and completely full mark. Mr Robinson said at that level, the helicopter should have been able to travel from Noonamah to King River and back. He became emotional as he shared his next memory – waking up in hospital, then being told his friend was dead and he would likely never walk again. Mr Robinson's spinal cord was completely severed, he had 12 broken ribs and puncturing in his lungs. His neck, elbow and both ankles were also fractured. He said he struggled with his memory due to a traumatic brain injury. NETFLIX STAR AN 'IDOL' Fellow helicopter pilot Jock Purcell told the jury he took official aviation records from Mr Robinson's home two days after the crash but could not recall who asked him to do it. He said he did not show the logbook to anyone or take photos of the official records, but was later asked by Mr Robinson to return the records. 'I took it home, and then Seb's brothers come and got it from my house,' Mr Purcell said. However, in a tapped telephone conversation between Mr Purcell and Mr Wright five months after the crash, the pair allegedly discussed Mr Robinson talking to investigators, the crashed chopper's maintenance release and Hobbs Meter, which records flight hours. 'Something had gone on with the Hobbs there, I dunno, they've moved it forward or some f***ing thing as well,' Mr Wright said. 'I'm just trying to think how much Sebby's, or what Sebby's tried to say to them, if anything even.' The pair then said some of that information could have been gathered from the maintenance release, which pilots fill out to record flight hours and service histories of helicopters. Three years after the bugged call, Mr Purcell told the court he was unsure if it was related to the crash investigation. Mr Purcell, who arrived at the crash scene, initially said he did not remember anyone approaching but then said the only thing removed were a few headsets. However, under cross examination, Mr Purcell said: 'I know someone lifted the dash of the helicopter.' Mr Purcell said he checked to see why the chopper might have gone down, and happened to notice the Hobbs Meter was connected. But Mr Gullaci alleged the sole purpose for Mr Purcell to look under the dash was to inspect this device 'because you knew there was a practice among Matt Wright's helicopters of the Hobbs Meter being disconnected'. 'And you wanted to see whether it was connected or not, for when investigators turned up to look at the crashed helicopter?' Mr Gullaci asked. Mr Purcell said he did not believe that was the case. When asked what else he could have been inspecting, the experienced pilot said: 'I'm not an investigator so I don't know.' However, Mr Purcell had already conceded there was a pattern of not recording flight hours, and had previously seen both Mr Wright and Mr Robinson disconnect the Hobbs Meter. He said there were times when the flight hour recorder was disconnected because 'it was getting close to service'. Mr Robinson also made full admissions to the jury of his own dodgy record keeping practices, which he said were common across the Territory helicopter industry. After almost a decade in the industry, Mr Robinson alleged he had worked for two other businesses which had similarly failed to properly record flight hours. Mr Robinson agreed he continued to 'break the rules' while working at Mr Wright's company. '(Mr Wright) would say 'pop the clock for this trip',' Mr Robinson alleged. He also said Mr Wright 'controlled all aspects of his aircraft regarding maintenance scheduling'. Mr Robinson said employees 'absolutely' followed Mr Wright's directions. 'We were young men, we looked up to him,' he said. 'Everyone looked at Matt as an idol. He'd say 'jump' and they'd say 'how high?' 'He had an aura about him. 'Everyone wanted to be around him, work for him, everyone bent over backwards to try and be a part of what he was doing.' The trial continues.
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Wild claims about ‘idolised' Netflix star
A Netflix reality star 'idolised' by his staff was an 'anti-vaxxer' who broke Covid-19 laws and was allegedly secretly recorded talking about tinkering with flight records while visiting a chopper crash survivor left paraplegic in hospital, a jury has heard. The extraordinary claims about Outback Wrangler Matt Wright were made this week during his trial in the Northern Territory Supreme Court, where he is charged with three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The 45-year-old celebrity is accused of failing to accurately record flight times in the Robinson-R-44 that crashed in February 2022, killing his co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson. It is not alleged Mr Wright is responsible for the crash. Mr Wilson, 34, was dangling from a sling attached to the helicopter during a dangerous crocodile egg collecting mission when the chopper crashed in Arnhem Land. Outback Wrangler Matt Wright is accused of fudging the chopper log books. NewsWire / Pema Tamang Pakhrin Credit: NewsWire CHOPPER RECORDS ALLEGEDLY FUDGED Pilot Seb Robinson, who survived the crash but is now a paraplegic, testified his former boss was an 'anti-vaxxer' despite Mr Wright going to two Covid restricted areas – the remote helicopter crash site and the injured pilot's Brisbane hospital room. He told the jury the main reason Mr Wright was not on the egg mission was 'because he was an anti-vaxxer'. At the time, there were strict Covid rules for anyone entering remote areas in the Territory, where they needed to provide proof of vaccination and take a rapid antigen test. The jury previously heard Mr Wright flew to the crash site with Wild Harvest NT director Mick Burns and off-duty senior NT Police officer Neil Mellon. Following the crash, Mr Robinson spent one month in hospital, where Covid restrictions meant two people could visit and everyone needed to provide a valid vaccination certificate. Mr Robinson said he had just come out of a coma, was heavily sedated and 'hallucinating' but 'vaguely' remembered a visit from Mr Wright and his wife Kaia on March 11. 'I have a vivid memory of him having some sort of paperwork in his hands,' Mr Robinson said. Seb Robinson is now a paraplegic. Instagram Credit: News Corp Australia He alleged his boss wanted to move 'a few' hours from the crashed helicopter – with the call sign IDW – to Mr Robinson's personal chopper, with the call sign ZXZ. Mr Robinson, 28, also alleged Mr Wright 'asked to go through my phone and delete a few things'. 'I remember looking over and seeing him holding my phone and flicking through it and deleting things,' Mr Robinson said. The jury heard the former pilot also deleted 'some stuff', including phone notes for start and stop times for IDW during egg collection trips. 'It was a very hard time for me. I didn't know who to trust and I panicked and went along with it,' he said. Mr Robinson alleged on Mr Wright's second hospital visit he brought Jai Thomlinson to again discuss the transfer of hours from IDW to ZXZ. 'I just remember having concerns about what was happening,' Mr Robinson said. 'I said I didn't feel comfortable doing it,' he said. 'I don't think (Mr Wright) was upset … he sort of said: 'That's OK.'' A secret mobile audio recording of this hospital visit allegedly captured Mr Wright talking about IDW flight times over the phone. Mr Robinson admitted he initially repeatedly lied to investigators because he 'panicked' and was worried about losing his pilot's licence. Chris Wilson's widow, Dani Wilson, has been attending the trial. NewsWire / Pema Tamang Pakhrin Credit: NewsWire PILOT'S COCAINE PARTYING Mr Robinson admitted he used cocaine 'a couple times a year' – up to 10 times over 12 months – but he denied he was a 'raging cocaine junkie'. The former pilot said he had never flown a helicopter while intoxicated, either by drugs or alcohol. He admitted he sometimes supplied cocaine for his mates and footy players, as well as flying small amounts of booze into Aboriginal communities. But Mr Robinson denied being a 'drug dealer' while being questioned about a series of texts about his wild partying. Mr Wright's defence counsel David Edwardson accused Mr Robinson of 'sourcing and supplying' cocaine from 2018 to the time of the crash. Mr Edwardson read messages from the pilot's friends asking 'are you getting more coke?', 'Seb any chance you know where to get the good stuff?' and 'anyone got bags?'. In one message exchange, Mr Robinson told a friend he was 'crook as a dog', with his mate replying 'snorting too much coke out of Matty's arse?'. Mr Robinson said the friend knew Mr Wright. But the lawyer has said the reality star had a 'zero tolerance' approach to drugs. Under cross-examination, Mr Robinson was also grilled about a message sent to a mate in November 2019, saying there were 'footy players in town wanting bags' and other texts referring to 'zingers' and 'pills'. 'Are you implying I'm a drug dealer? … No,' Mr Robinson said. Crown Prosecutor Jason Gullaci outside court. NewsWire / Pema Tamang Pakhrin Credit: NewsWire While Mr Robinson did not believe he was a trafficker, Justice Alan Blow explained: 'It is trafficking, even if you're not making any money for yourself.' Trace amounts of cocaine were detected in Mr Robinson's blood, which prosecutor Jason Gullaci said experts were likely to say was from use days before the crash. Mr Robinson admitted to flying in booze to remote communities, but said he did not sell the alcohol. He said 'on occasion' he would take a small amount of alcohol under the seat of his chopper for people in Arnhem Land. PILOT'S INJURIES Mr Robinson said his last memory from that fateful day was 'having a laugh' with his mate in the chopper. The jury was shown a photo of Mr Wilson piloting the Robinson R-44, with the image appearing to capture the fuel gauge between three-quarters and completely full mark. Mr Robinson said at that level, the helicopter should have been able to travel from Noonamah to King River and back. He became emotional as he shared his next memory – waking up in hospital, then being told his friend was dead and he would likely never walk again. Mr Robinson's spinal cord was completely severed, he had 12 broken ribs and puncturing in his lungs. His neck, elbow and both ankles were also fractured. He said he struggled with his memory due to a traumatic brain injury. Mr Wright has pleaded not guilty to the charges. NewsWire / Pema Tamang Pakhrin Credit: NewsWire NETFLIX STAR AN 'IDOL' Fellow helicopter pilot Jock Purcell told the jury he took official aviation records from Mr Robinson's home two days after the crash but could not recall who asked him to do it. He said he did not show the logbook to anyone or take photos of the official records, but was later asked by Mr Robinson to return the records. 'I took it home, and then Seb's brothers come and got it from my house,' Mr Purcell said. However, in a tapped telephone conversation between Mr Purcell and Mr Wright five months after the crash, the pair allegedly discussed Mr Robinson talking to investigators, the crashed chopper's maintenance release and Hobbs Meter, which records flight hours. 'Something had gone on with the Hobbs there, I dunno, they've moved it forward or some f***ing thing as well,' Mr Wright said. 'I'm just trying to think how much Sebby's, or what Sebby's tried to say to them, if anything even.' The pair then said some of that information could have been gathered from the maintenance release, which pilots fill out to record flight hours and service histories of helicopters. Three years after the bugged call, Mr Purcell told the court he was unsure if it was related to the crash investigation. Mr Purcell, who arrived at the crash scene, initially said he did not remember anyone approaching but then said the only thing removed were a few headsets. However, under cross examination, Mr Purcell said: 'I know someone lifted the dash of the helicopter.' Outback Wrangler Matt Wright has been supported in court by his wife Kaia. NewsWire / Pema Tamang Pakhrin Credit: NewsWire Mr Purcell said he checked to see why the chopper might have gone down, and happened to notice the Hobbs Meter was connected. But Mr Gullaci alleged the sole purpose for Mr Purcell to look under the dash was to inspect this device 'because you knew there was a practice among Matt Wright's helicopters of the Hobbs Meter being disconnected'. 'And you wanted to see whether it was connected or not, for when investigators turned up to look at the crashed helicopter?' Mr Gullaci asked. Mr Purcell said he did not believe that was the case. When asked what else he could have been inspecting, the experienced pilot said: 'I'm not an investigator so I don't know.' However, Mr Purcell had already conceded there was a pattern of not recording flight hours, and had previously seen both Mr Wright and Mr Robinson disconnect the Hobbs Meter. Helicopter pilot Jock Purcell worked for Outback Wrangler Matt Wright. Credit: News Corp Australia He said there were times when the flight hour recorder was disconnected because 'it was getting close to service'. Mr Robinson also made full admissions to the jury of his own dodgy record keeping practices, which he said were common across the Territory helicopter industry. After almost a decade in the industry, Mr Robinson alleged he had worked for two other businesses which had similarly failed to properly record flight hours. Mr Robinson agreed he continued to 'break the rules' while working at Mr Wright's company. '(Mr Wright) would say 'pop the clock for this trip',' Mr Robinson alleged. He also said Mr Wright 'controlled all aspects of his aircraft regarding maintenance scheduling'. Mr Robinson said employees 'absolutely' followed Mr Wright's directions. 'We were young men, we looked up to him,' he said. 'Everyone looked at Matt as an idol. He'd say 'jump' and they'd say 'how high?' 'He had an aura about him. 'Everyone wanted to be around him, work for him, everyone bent over backwards to try and be a part of what he was doing.' The trial continues.
