Murder charges against two men dropped following fatal Albion Park crash
Murder charges against two men have been downgraded, after a horrific crash at Albion Park Rail killed an Illawarra father-of-seven last year.
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Murder charges against two men have been dropped, after a horrific crash at Albion Park Rail killed an Illawarra father-of-seven last year.
Daniel Merrett, also known as Daniel Clulow was killed on May 18, when the car he was travelling smashed into the back of a petrol tanker, flinging him through the windscreen of the vehicle.
He suffered serious head injuries and died at the scene, while his two passengers were flown to hospital in serious conditions.
Police allege Mr Merrett’s car was being chased by another vehicle, carrying Darren Butler, 27, Andrew Russell, 34 and Holly Green, 26 following a dispute over $150.
Russell and Butler were both charged with murder following the crash, however on Wednesday, charges against both men were downgraded to manslaughter.
Natlie Olender, on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions formally withdrew the charge, as well as a charge of armed robbery for both men.
The men did not appear in court on Wednesday, however their lawyers indicated they will be fighting the charges and are set to be committed for trial next week.
Holly Green, who is charged with hindering both Butler and Russell’s arrests, will return to court next week, where she is expected to enter pleas.
Butler was arrested on May 30, after police allege he spent almost two weeks on the run, calling in the help of three girlfriends and a mate to book him accommodation and give him money.
Russell was arrested outside a fast food restaurant on the Central Coast on May 22, a few days after the tragic incident.
Each of the men have remained on remand in custody since their arrests.