Aaron Hegedus: Sentence date revealed for man who killed tradie

A man has admitted to his role in the shocking shooting death of a much-loved tradie from NSW’s Central West, who has been remembered as a “really nice bloke”.

Frank Smith was remembered as a “really nice bloke” following his tragic death in 2020. Aaron Hegedus has now pleaded guilty to his manslaughter.

A man is set to be sentenced for his role in the shooting death of an Indigenous man and tradie in Wellington.

Last month Aaron Hegedus, 33, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Frank Smith, 48, on the afternoon of April 27, 2020.

Mr Smith was taken to Wellington Hospital with a gunshot wound, where he died later that night.

The offender appeared via audiovisual link in Dubbo District Court on Monday, where he received his sentence date.

Hegedus shot Mr Smith with a .22 Ruger rifle before Mr Smith stumbled into a front yarn on Thornton St before he was taken to hospital.

The firearm used to shoot Mr Smith. Picture: NSW Police

Before pleading guilty to manslaughter, Hegedus was charged with murder, while his partner at the time Leanne Stewart was charged with being an accessory to murder.

Stewart will appear in Dubbo Local Court on Thursday, where she is expected to enter a plea.

Following Mr Smith’s death, an 18-month police investigation commenced before Hegedus was arrested in October 2021.

At the time of the incident, Mr Smith was remembered in tributes as a “really nice bloke” who was always “polite”.

Hegedus will appear in court to be sentenced on November 10.