Tyrell Edwards granted reprieve after allegedly causing fatal Buxton crash

A teen driver has been granted a reprieve after he allegedly caused “a terrible tragedy” when he crashed into a tree and killed five children.

A teen has been granted more lenient bail conditions after he allegedly drove dangerously before hitting a tree and killing five children in Sydney’s southwest.

Tyrell Edwards, 18, faced the Supreme Court of NSW via video link on Monday to apply for his bail to be varied after being charged with five counts of dangerous driving occasioning death – driving in a manner dangerous.

Police allege he was driving his Nissan Navara “at high speeds” along East Parade in Buxton at 8pm on September 6 when the vehicle spun out of control and smashed into a tree.

Tyrell Edwards was allegedly driving recklessly when he hit a tree and his five passengers were killed.

The Bargo resident was the sole survivor of the crash that killed his five passengers aged between 14 and 16 years old.

Local children Summer Williams, Antonio Desisto, Gabriella McLennan, Lily Van de Putte and Tyrese Bechard were all pronounced dead at the scene.

Documents tendered to the court reveal police uncovered a video on Mr Edwards’ phone from an hour before the fatal crash that allegedly showed him driving dangerously while travelling at speeds exceeding 90km/h.

Police claim the video shows the 18-year-old holding his phone with one hand and “aggressively” turning the wheel with the other as the car swerves violently.

According to the police allegations, witnesses at the scene heard Mr Edwards say: “I f***ed up, I’m going to jail.”

He was initially refused bail in Picton Local Court after the court was told he had a history of speeding and multiple licence suspensions.

However, that decision was overturned on October 4 when Mr Edwards was granted strict conditional bail to address his deteriorating mental health.

Driver Tyrell Edwards (right) and crash victim Antonio Desisto (left) on the back of a Nissan Navara. Picture: Instagram

On Friday, the court was told the bail conditions needed clarification after Narellan police refused to allow Mr Edwards to leave his house unless in the company of his mother for one of four specific reasons.

Justice Peter Hamill agreed the conditions should have been “cumulative” rather than “alternative” to allow the 18-year-old to leave the house on his own to attend court, report to police, attend legal meetings or obtain medical treatment.

“It is more onerous than necessary,” he said.

The court was told that Mr Edwards was also constrained by a bail order not to associate with anyone under 18 years old.

The Crown prosecutor argued the condition was imposed because of the circumstances surrounding the tragic crash.

“There were a number of young people in the car and what was happening in the car was deliberately captured on camera footage, and it’s that kind of behaviour that (condition) was aimed at capturing,” he said.

Justice Hamill acknowledged the fatal crash was a “terrible terrible tragedy” that involved “great suffering”.

“The case had gained a significant amount of media coverage and involved a really terrible tragedy for a number of parties, including … the applicant himself,” he said.

The horrific crash has devastated the small community of Buxton, just an hour south of Sydney. Picture: John Grainger

Justice Hamill ordered Mr Edwards not to be in the company of any minors unless in the company of his mother or except when at his home where he can associate with underage relatives.

The Bargo resident will also be allowed to leave the house either when accompanied by his mother or for one of the four specified reasons.

The previous bail conditions will remain in force, including an order not to get behind the wheel of a car, drink alcohol or contact any prosecution witnesses as conditions of release.

Mr Edwards’ family will also have to fork out $100,000 if the teen does not appear in court.