Jai Wright death: Second boy allegedly broke into home, stole car

The final hours of 16-year-old Jai Wright, who tragically died after being struck by an unmarked police car, have been revealed as a boy who spent the night in his company appeared in court.

The final hours of 16-year-old Jai Wright, who tragically died after being struck by an unmarked police car in Eveleigh, have been aired in court as a boy who spent the night in his company appeared in Surry Hills Children’s Court.

The boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, allegedly stole a black Mercedes which was spotted by police on February 19. The court heard police didn’t chase the Mercedes but during the incident Jai Wright, who had been travelling on a trailbike, was fatally struck and died two days later. The boy has pleaded not guilty to stealing the car.

A critical investigation is underway looking into the exact nature of the crash.

The scene from the crash at Eveleigh on February 19 when the bike collided with an unmarked police car. Picture: Julian Andrews

The Children’s Court heard the alleged car thief had been on bail for charges of stealing a motor vehicle and break and enter.

Police allege on the night of February 18 the accused – accompanied by Jai – broke into a Woollahra property. CCTV footage obtained from within the property allegedly showed the boy had a knife.

The police prosecutor told the court the CCTV footage showed the two boys then leaving with the keys to two cars, a black Mercedes and a BMW, before driving off.

People were inside the home during the invasion, and police have charged the boy with aggravated breaking and entering. He has pleaded not guilty.

Police and emergency services attended the crash scene in Eveleigh where Jai was later taken to hospital in critical condition. Picture: Julian Andrews

After driving to a property in Dulwich Hill, a witness said they observed the two boys allegedly stealing a motorbike, the police prosecutor revealed.

Police were called at 6:55am on February 19 before arriving at the property at 7am, whereby the two boys had since taken off with the stolen black Mercedes and the bike from the Dulwich Hill property. An alert was then issued on inner west police radio.

Two police officers first on foot identified the two vehicles in Newtown, before attempting to locate the Mercedes and the bike.

The police prosecutor said today the two vehicles were spotted by police at the intersection of Sydney Park Road, but no pursuit happened thereafter.

They spotted the accused walking on Eveleigh St before a search of the individual found the keys to the stolen BMW.

At the bail hearing today, the accused appeared via video link from custody in Cobham Youth Justice Centre.

A critical investigation is underway to determine the exact nature of the crash. Picture: Julian Andrews

The police prosecutor said he couldn’t support bail even with conditions, stating the accused “sadly had been given an opportunity and he demonstrated he is not able to comply”.

The defence alleged while the accused had previously broken bail conditions, the death of Jai had a profound effect on him and his attitude.

The court was told the accused heard Jai had passed away via a radio announcement from his cell.

“The difference now is the devastating wake-up call of the tragic death of Jai and the impact (on the accused),” the solicitor said.

“He is at a crossroads in his life and there has been a profound response (in the accused) to the loss of his friend.”

Jai Wright tragically died due to injuries sustained in a crash during the incident. He was a much-loved young man in his community. Picture: Supplied

However, the magistrate said she couldn’t grant bail, even with strict conditions.

“I acknowledge your trauma with the death of Jai – it is a tragedy, there is no doubt about that,” she said.

“But in my view bail must be refused – you were granted bail previously and a few weeks later the allegations now made against you are very serious.

“I simply cannot take the risk of the community suffering again and the possibility of you driving, which may again have tragic consequences.”

The matter will return to court later this month.