Celebrity Croc Wrangler Matt Wright Sentenced for Wildlife Crime

Celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright has been sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended after five months, for attempting to pervert the course of justice. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Wright was convicted on two counts after a month-long trial in the Northern Territory Supreme Court.

The charges stem from his attempts to obstruct an investigation into a fatal helicopter crash in Arnhem Land in 2022 that killed his friend and co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson and seriously injured pilot Sebastian Robinson.

Count one relates to a lie Wright told police about the helicopter's fuel levels just days after the crash, while count two involves Wright pressuring Robinson to falsify flight records. Acting Justice Alan Blow noted that Wright's motive for lying was to protect the pilot from prosecution and described the second charge as a serious attempt to pervert justice.

He highlighted the callous nature of Wright's actions, especially given Robinson's vulnerable state shortly after emerging from a coma. Wright's defense argued that he was not to be sentenced for the tragic accident itself, emphasizing his hard-working nature and the intense media scrutiny he faced.

Outside the court, there was a large presence of supporters and family members of the victims, reflecting the emotional weight of the case. Wright has been on bail and unable to leave the Northern Territory since the verdict was delivered in August.