Crocodiles, Covert Recordings, and Alleged Lies in Outback Wrangler Matt Wright's Trial

The high-profile trial of celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright has taken an unexpected turn, with covertly recorded phone calls, bugged homes, and alleged attempts to destroy evidence now central to the case against him. Wright, best known for his role in the Netflix series Wild Croc Territory, faces charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice following the fatal helicopter crash that killed his close friend and co-star, Chris "Willow" Wilson, in February 2022.

A Culture of Rule-Breaking in the Aviation Industry

The trial, which has drawn widespread attention, is not about who caused the crash — a point stressed by Crown prosecutor Jason Gullaci SC — but rather about alleged cover-ups and a culture of misreporting flying hours within Wright’s helicopter company, Helibrook. Prosecutors claim that Wright was concerned that his failure to accurately record flight hours would be exposed, potentially linking him to the crash.

According to the prosecution, Wright allegedly lied to police, pressured a witness to alter documents, and threatened to destroy evidence in an effort to cover up what he described as "systemic under-reporting" of flight hours. These actions, the prosecution claims, were an attempt to shift blame away from himself.

Covert Recordings and Controversial Evidence

In his opening statement, Gullaci outlined the evidence that would be presented to the jury, including covert recordings from Wright’s home and phone. One such recording, allegedly made more than six months after the crash, involved Wright speaking to an associate, Jai Tomlinson, and urging him to "burn the c***" — referring to a helicopter maintenance document.

In another call, Wright is alleged to have told his wife, Kaia, "I don’t write shit down. I don’t even have a f***ing log book." These recordings, along with other evidence, are expected to play a crucial role in the trial as the prosecution attempts to prove Wright’s alleged involvement in the cover-up.

The Role of Industry Veterans and Key Witnesses

The trial has also brought to light the dangerous and often overlooked reality of the crocodile egg-collecting industry, which involves flying helicopters in remote and hazardous conditions. Mick Burns, a prominent crocodile farmer and witness in the trial, described the perilous nature of the work, including the need to walk through dense cane grass and navigate crocodile-infested waters.

Other key witnesses, including fellow helicopter pilots and a former high-ranking NT police officer, have also taken the stand. Among the most controversial claims is the allegation that Wright removed items from the crashed helicopter and tampered with the dashboard. Another pilot, Mick Burbidge, is alleged to have disposed of Mr. Wilson’s phone into the ocean after being told by Wright that "Dani doesn’t need to see what’s on that" — a reference to Wilson’s widow, Danielle.

Defending Against Allegations

Wright’s defense, led by barrister David Edwardson KC, has strongly denied the allegations, questioning the reliability of the evidence, including the audio quality of the covert recordings and the credibility of witness testimony. Edwardson has also warned the jury against being influenced by the "ill-informed" and "scandalous" opinions circulating outside the courtroom.

The trial, which is expected to span multiple weeks, continues to unfold in the Northern Territory Supreme Court, with more witnesses and evidence to come. As the case progresses, it is clear that the trial will not only determine the fate of Matt Wright but also shine a light on the broader issues within the aviation and crocodile industries.