Fatal Sutherland crash driver too injured to apply for bail
A 21-year-old driver charged with dangerous driving after causing the death of his friend in a horror crash in Sutherland on Easter Monday was too injured to appear in court.
St George Shire Standard
Don't miss out on the headlines from St George Shire Standard. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A young man has been unable to front court due to his injuries sustained when he allegedly crashed into a power pole and killed his mate in Sutherland this week.
Joshua Wright, 21, was still in St George Hospital on Friday after he was charged with dangerous driving causing the death of his friend following an alleged police pursuit on Rawson Ave on Monday.
A defence lawyer in Sutherland Local Court told Magistrate Hugh Donnelly that he was unable to talk to Wright in hospital to seek instructions and therefore did not apply for bail.
Wright, who lives in Illawong, will remain in hospital under police guard until his matter returns to court next Friday where he could seek release.
Magistrate Donnelly formally refused bail and ordered police to start compiling a brief of evidence for the case.
Police allege Sutherland Traffic and Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop a Ford Falcon for a random breath test at Sutherland about 4.14am on Monday.
Wright allegedly did not pull over and a pursuit was initiated and terminated within seconds due to the alleged manner of driving.
The Ford continued into Rawson Ave and struck a power pole.
Police arrived at the crash site and removed all occupants, rendering first aid until paramedics arrived.
One of the passengers, a 17-year-old male, died at the scene. He cannot be named for legal reasons.
Wright and a second passenger, also aged 21, were taken to St George Hospital where they have undergone surgery.
Police established a crime scene and with the assistance of specialist police from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Following inquiries, Wright was charged on Thursday with seven offences including aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death - escaping pursuit and aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm - escaping pursuit.
He was also charged with aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death with speed more than 45 over limit; aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm with speed more than 45 over limit; negligent driving occasioning death,negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and driving while licence expired less than 2 years before.
The investigation regarding the critical incident continues under Strike Force Cusps and will be subject to an independent review.
More Coverage
Meet the talented young artists from ARTEXPRESS 2025
The annual art exhibition which shows some of the most outstanding and exemplary artworks across NSW by HSC visual arts students has opened. Meet the students and see their amazing works.
Australian swimmers and SailGP team’s unique exchange
Two of Australia’s leading sports teams - SailGPs Flying Roos and the Dolphins - are collaborating in a hunt for “little gems” to deliver lucrative triumphs on the water and Olympic medals in it.