Aaron Hegedus: Wellington man to be sentenced for manslaughter of Frank Smith

A man who fatally shot a “loving” grandfather from the state’s central west has been described as a “gutless coward” and a “monster” by the deceased’s stepdaughter. Here’s the latest.

A man who fatally shot a “loving” grandfather from the state’s central west has been described as a “gutless coward” and a “monster” by the deceased’s stepdaughter.

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story contains the name and image of a deceased Indigenous person.

Aaron Hegedus, 33, appeared at Dubbo District Court via audiovisual link from Junee Correctional Centre after pleading guilty to manslaughter of 48-year-old Frank Smith earlier this year.

The killer admitted to shooting Mr Smith in the abdomen on the morning of April 27, 2020, with a .22 Ruger rifle, before he stumbled into a front yard on Thornton St.

Mr Smith was taken to Wellington Hospital where he died later that night.

Frank Smith, man who was shot in Wellington in 2020.

Homicide squad detectives arrested Hegedus outside a KFC restaurant in Wellington on October 27, 2021, after an extensive 18-month investigation into the suspicious death.

Hegedus was initially charged with murder before the Crown lessened the charge to manslaughter.

Firearm used to shoot Frank Smith. Picture: NSW Police

Mr Smith’s stepdaughter Nycole Robbins delivered a victim impact statement, describing Hegedus as a “monster” who has robbed her family and the community of “such a helpful man”.

“No matter the outcome, no amount of time you spend in jail will ever be good enough, we have a life sentence,” Ms Robbins said.

“How do you sleep at night knowing you have taken someone’s life? You had no balls, you little coward.”

Hegedus wiped away tears while he listened to Mr Smith’s 23-year-old daughter Linda’s statement, describing her father as a “loving and caring” man.

Police seized electronics and other items of interest from a home in Wellington after Hegedus was arrested. Picture: NSW Police

According to the defence solicitor, the offender drove to Geurie shortly after the firearm was discharged in an attempt to get rid of the weapon.

“There is clearly a person whose exposure to substance abuse and violence throughout his formative years and has left a profound mark on him throughout his adult life,” the solicitor said.

The Crown prosecution stated Mr Smith was shot around 9.30am, before the offender’s vehicle was captured on CCTV footage around 9.42am driving towards the outskirts of the township.

“The offender’s decision to dispose of or try and hide the weapon was quite extensive, he drove a considerable distance and provided the weapon to a friend,” the Crown said.

Hegedus is expected to be sentenced on December 15.