URGENT UPDATE: A close friend of reality TV star Matt Wright has just denied any collusion in an alleged cover-up surrounding faked helicopter flying hour records linked to a fatal crash. The testimony came during a Supreme Court hearing in Darwin on Thursday, where Jai Tomlinson faced a jury regarding the tragic incident that occurred in February 2022.
Wright, known for his role on Outback Wrangler, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The charges stem from a helicopter crash that claimed the life of his friend and co-star Chris “Willow” Wilson, who was on a crocodile-egg collecting mission in the Northern Territory. The pilot, Sebastian Robinson, survived but was left paraplegic.
During his testimony, Tomlinson stated he could not recall discussing the crash with Wright, despite covert recordings suggesting otherwise. When pressed by Crown Prosecutor Jason Gullaci SC, Tomlinson repeatedly stated, “I don’t remember,” raising questions about his reliability as a witness.
Prosecutors allege that Wright was concerned investigators would discover that his helicopters’ flying-hour meters had been tampered with, allowing flying hours to exceed official limits. They further claim that documents were falsified to cover up these discrepancies. Importantly, the charges against Wright do not relate to the cause of the crash itself, nor do they implicate him in Wilson’s death or Robinson’s injuries.
Tomlinson, a 45-year-old construction contractor, expressed that a car accident in 2016 may have impacted his memory. “I don’t think back on the past … I’m always looking forward,” he told the court. However, prosecutors presented secret recorded conversations from September 2022, in which Tomlinson and Wright seemed to discuss the situation. Tomlinson acknowledged the voices but claimed he couldn’t remember the context.
Under questioning, he denied destroying any documents for Wright or knowing about discrepancies in flying hours. When confronted with a recording where Wright mentioned that pressure was mounting and people might “start squealing,” Tomlinson humorously replied that his understanding of “squealing” referred to his daughters’ yelling.
Gullaci challenged Tomlinson’s understanding, suggesting that at 45 years old, he should know “squealing” could also mean betraying someone. He accused Tomlinson of lying to protect Wright, emphasizing that his repeated claims of not remembering were evasive.
Tomlinson firmly rejected any suggestion that he and Wright had plotted to cover up aviation safety violations. The tension in the courtroom was palpable, with the trial now set to continue as more evidence is evaluated.
This developing story has significant implications for aviation safety standards and accountability, particularly within the context of reality television. As the trial progresses, eyes will remain on the courtroom for further revelations. Stay tuned for more updates as this case unfolds.
