21 hours ago
‘Top leader': Rumours swirl about Rolls-Royce crash
The Chinese community has flocked to the case of a young woman who was allegedly drunk when she crashed her $1 million Rolls-Royce, as rumours swirl that she is related to a high-ranking official in China.
About 100 Chinese Australians crowded into the John Madison Tower at Sydney's Downing Centre on Friday morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of 23-year-old Lanlan Yang.
Only a fraction of them were able to get inside courtroom 15B, where Yang briefly appeared via videolink wearing her characteristic bucket hat and a sleek black suit.
Her lawyer, Mr Yu, said she was not in a position to enter a plea because 'the police have indicated there will be additional charges'. The case was adjourned to September 26, with Yang's bail to continue.
The young woman's case relates to a head-on crash between her Rolls-Royce SUV and a Mercedes that was being driven by George Plassaras, a chauffeur to radio host Kyle Sandilands, early on the morning of July 26.
Mr Plassaras received horrific injuries, breaking his spine, ribs, both hips and both femurs in the crash on New South Head Road in Rose Bay.
Yang was uninjured and returned a positive result during a roadside breath test, police allege.
She has been bailed to her penthouse apartment in Sydney's east, where she owns a second Rolls-Royce, while the case moves through the courts.
Chinese Australians are following the case with interest - curious about who Yang is and the source of her lavish wealth.
'Lots of Chinese leaders have their wealth stored in foreign countries,' Chinjing Jin told outside the court room.
'Her family might be in China's politburo or standing committee, but at this point it's still hearsay.'
'All Chinese Australians and even American Chinese care about this case,' said Tony Zhou, another court attendee.
'The question we focus on is, which top leader's granddaughter or great-granddaughter she is? In China many top families' offspring immigrate to Australia.
'We believe her family background is at least politburo member, maybe standing committee member - this is why we all focus on the news.
'Some of us are supporting the democratic movement in China and we want to destroy communism, so this case is important to us.'
It was also rumoured that Yang's father was involved with an Australian iron ore mine, Mr Zhou said.
Yang has been charged with causing bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle and refuse or fail to submit to breath analysis.
Her bail conditions include that she not drive a car or leave her penthouse between the hours of 8pm to 6am.
Registration data for her Rolls-Royce Cullinan showed it was a 2025 model, which can retail for more than $1 million.
The car was insured at the time, although Yang may not be able to get coverage if drink driving is found to be the cause of the crash. If found guilty, she may also be ordered to pay Mr Plassaras' medical and vehicle costs.
After the crash she was filmed being escorted from the scene in a luxury outfit that appeared to include Chanel shoes, a Chanel two-piece and a Miu Miu bucket hat, possibly totalling $5,000.
