Matt Wright’s co-accused, Neil Mellon, to face new charge over death of Outback Wrangler Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson
Matt Wright’s co-accused - a former cop - is expected to be hit with a new charge before Christmas over the death of Outback Wrangler Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.
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A former top cop allegedly embroiled in a plot to destroy evidence related to the fatal crash that killed Outback Wrangler Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson could soon face a new charge.
Former Acting Senior Sergeant Neil Ryan Mellon is one of three people who allegedly interfered with the investigation into a remote fatal helicopter crash on February 28.
The senior officer, Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright and Remote Helicopters Australia director Michael Keith Burbidge were all charged in relation to the West Arnhem crash.
Mr Wilson and his 28-year-old pilot Sebastian Robinson were flying in a Robinson R44 during an crocodile egg collecting mission when the chopper went down over the King River.
The 34-year-old father was killed in the crash, while Mr Robinson suffered critical injuries.
There is no allegation of wrongdoing by Mr Robinson.
Five months after the crash, Mellon was arrested while walking into work at a Darwin police station.
The 47-year-old former cop faced 32 charges, including attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence and made a false declaration, as well as a range of firearm and wildlife charges.
On Wednesday, prosecutor Steve Ledek told Darwin Local Court fresh evidence would result in a new charge.
Mr Ledek said there was new evidence relating to the allegations of attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence and making a false declaration.
“There is additional evidence … that will be accompanied with the additional charge,” he said.
Mr Ledek told Judge Ben O’Loughlin a document would be prepared and presented to Mellon’s defence team before Christmas.
Mellon has already been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence, making a false declaration, disclosure of confidential information, gaining benefit by unlawfully accessing data and obtaining benefit by deception.
He was also charged with failure to meet firearm storage requirements, possessing a prohibited weapon and fireworks, stealing and possessing a protected animal.
Wright faces seven charges: attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence, fabricating evidence, unlawfully entering a building, unlawfully entering a dwelling, making a false declaration and threats/reprisals involving a criminal investigation.
Burbidge was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence, making a false declaration and fabricating evidence.
All three co-accused’s hearings will return to Darwin Local Court on January 25.
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Originally published as Matt Wright’s co-accused, Neil Mellon, to face new charge over death of Outback Wrangler Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson
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