19-05-2025
Perth obstetrician accused of manslaughter of Elizabeth Pearce hit with more charges
The Perth obstetrician charged with manslaughter over the road death of Elizabeth Pearce in Dalkeith in February has been hit with further charges.
Rhys Bellinge was allegedly behind the wheel of a high-powered sedan that struck a rideshare car on Birdwood Parade on Saturday February 15, with the crash claiming the life of 24-year-old Ms Pearce.
He was allegedly speeding at 130 kilometres per hour, and police say he later returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.183.
Now Dr Bellinge, who was denied bail at a bedside hearing in February, has been hit with four fresh charges, relating to the Sunday night before he is alleged to have killed Ms Pearce.
Police allege that on February 9, Dr Bellinge exceeded the speed limit by more than 45 kph on three separate occasions — the first being at 8:05pm, when they say he travelled at 119 kph in a 70 kph zone on Thomas Street in Subiaco.
Then, at about 8:10pm, he is alleged to have hit a speed of 112 kph in a 60 kph zone on Winthrop Avenue in Nedlands.
Ten minutes later, according to police, Dr Bellinge travelled on the wrong side of the road in May Drive in Kings Park.
Then police allege that about 8:30pm he travelled at 103 kph on Victoria Avenue in Dalkeith, a 50 kph zone.
Officers from the Major Crash unit have charged the 45-year-old with three counts of exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 kph, and one count of dangerous driving.
Dr Bellinge is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on June 5.
