Celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright looks likely to face a legal challenge in a bid to gain access to police evidence from the helicopter crash death of his Netflix co-star Chris “Willow” Wilson.
Mr Wright fronted the Northern Territory Supreme Court in Darwin on Thursday alongside his wife, Kaia Wright, for his latest pre-trial hearing ahead of a highly-anticipated jury trial next year.
Known for his Netflix show Wild Croc Territory, Mr Wright is facing one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The charge is in relation to events that allegedly occurred in the aftermath of a West Arnhem Land chopper crash that killed Mr Wilson in 2022.
David Edwardson KC (right) said negotiations between the parties in relation to the subpoena were ongoing. (ABC News: Dane Hirst)
Territory government solicitor Ruth Brebner told the court NT Police had been subpoenaed to produce evidence related to the causes of the crash, as well as a large amount of mobile phone material.
But Ms Brebner told the court it was “very likely” the force would make a claim of privilege to stop Mr Wright and his defence team accessing the material.
She said NT Police would likely argue that the crash material was not directly relevant to the charge against Mr Wright.
“It’s a fishing expedition,” she said.
“And in relation to the telephones, it’s oppressive, the materials are huge.”
Mr Wright’s barrister, David Edwardson KC, told the court negotiations between the parties would continue.
“We’ll see to what extent those issues can be resolved,” he said.
Mr Wright declined to comment on Thursday. (ABC News: Dane Hirst)
After months of legal argument, Mr Wright is scheduled to face a marathon eight-week trial in the NT Supreme Court starting in July next year.
The court has previously heard prosecutors intended to call about 125 witnesses to give evidence, including 85 who were expected to testify about an alleged tendency towards unsound management of Mr Wright’s helicopters.
He is yet to enter a plea but has long professed his innocence, with one of his lawyers earlier telling the court he would plead not guilty to the charge.
Mr Wright did not respond to requests for comment outside court on Thursday.
The case will return to court for a further pre-trial hearing on November 14.