Buxton fatal crash driver Tyrell Edwards pictured for the first time on bail

A large contingent of family and friends tried to shield Tyrell Edwards from public view during his first court appearance since being released on bail.

Tyrell Edwards as he walks to Picton Court for a bail hearing. Picture John Grainger

The 18-year-old driver and sole survivor of a horror fatal crash at Buxton in September has been seen for the first time in public since being granted bail by the NSW Supreme Court.

A sombre Tyrell Edwards arrived at Picton Local Court on Wednesday for a brief mention of his case before Magistrate Roger Prowse, with friends and family using Bunnings umbrellas in an attempt to shield the teen from the public as he entered and exited the courthouse.

Edwards is facing five counts of dangerous driving occasioning death after his five passengers, Summer Williams, Antonio Desisto, Gabriella McLennan, Lily Van de Putte and Tyrese Bechard, were killed in an alleged high-speed crash just after 8pm on September 6.

Police will allege Edwards was behind the wheel of his Nissan Navara ute when the vehicle spun out of control and smashed into a tree.

Edwards was the sole survivor, with police alleging neighbours who heard the crash and raced to the scene overheard the young man say “I f**ked up, I’m going to jail” moments after he walked away from the scene unscathed.

Edwards is shielded by family and friends. Picture: John Grainger

It will also be alleged police uncovered a video on Edwards’ phone from an hour before the fatal crash that allegedly showed him driving dangerously and swerving the ute from side to side on the roadway while travelling at speeds exceeding 90km/h.

Edwards was arrested the day after the crash and charged.

Edwards’ bail was continued. Picture John Grainger

Edwards ducks to share an umbrellas. Picture: John Grainger

He was refused bail at Picton Local Court at the time and remanded in custody for almost a month before being granted strict bail in the NSW Supreme Court on a $100,000 surety.

Among the conditions of his bail included a requirement for him to return to Picton court in person on Wednesday so lawyers could update the magistrate on the progression of the matter.

Family members of some of the victims, including Antonio’s father, Exaven Desisto, attended court to hear the proceedings and were seen watching on intently as Edwards arrived and departed the small, rural courthouse.

Meanwhile, the court heard police were yet to serve their brief of evidence on Edwards’ legal team, and there were doubts it would be ready in time for the next court date, now scheduled for February 10.

The group moves in to shield Edwards. Picture: John Grainger

Edwards, who wore a plain white business shirt, blue pants and black sunglasses and had his long hair pulled up in a man bun, was accompanied in court by a large contingent of family and friends.

Magistrate Prowse agreed to excuse Edwards from attending court on February 10 if his lawyer was in attendance.

He continued Edwards’ bail, which includes conditions that ban him from getting behind the wheel of a car or leaving his Bargo home unless in the company of his parents.