Hearing delayed for Outback Wrangler Matt Wright, helicopter pilot Michael Burbidge over Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson’s fatal chopper crash

The investigation into the alleged cover-up of Outback Wrangler Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson’s chopper crash is expected to have wrapped up. See why Matt Wright did not appear before court.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright’s anticipated court appearance over his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to destroy evidence in the wake of a fatal chopper crash has been delayed.

Matthew Nicholas Wright, 43, was expected to appear before Darwin Local Court on Wednesday, alongside his two co-accused ex-NT Police officer Neil Ryan Mellon and helicopter pilot Michael Keith Burbidge.

In a secret closed-door meeting between prosecutors and Wright and Burbidge’s legal teams, their preliminary examination mention was adjourned to April 5.

The celebrity croc wrestler, top Territory cop and chopper pilot face a total of 46 charges between them over the crash that claimed the life of Outback Wrangler co-star, Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.

Helicopter pilot Michael Burbidge, former police officer Neil Mellon, and Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright.

The 34-year-old father and fellow reality television star was killed during a crocodile egg collecting mission when a Robinson R44 crashed in a paperbark swamp along the King River on February 28.

It is alleged the trio conspired to destroy evidence and made false declarations in an attempt to pervert the course of justice.

The court has previously heard the police investigation into Wright’s alleged involvement in a cover-up was expected to wrap up in early March, days after the one-year anniversary of Mr Wilson’s death.

It was expected that Wright would push to reassess his extensive non-contact order during his Wednesday hearing, with the order banning him from talking to 39 people.

Judge Tanya Fong Lim heard Mellon’s case on Wednesday afternoon, which was promptly adjourned to the same date as his co-accused.

His lawyer Julie Franz said more time was needed to assess new material provided by prosecutor Steve Ledek.

Matt Wright after attending Darwin Local Court on charges linked to the death of his Outback Wrangler co-star Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Wright has been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying and fabricating evidence, unlawful entry to a building and a dwelling, making a false declaration and issuing threats in relation to a criminal investigation.

Burbidge is charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying and fabricating evidence and making a false declaration.

Mellon faces a total of 35 charges, including attempting to pervert the course of justice, disclosure of confidential information, destroying evidence, as well as a range of firework, wildlife and firearm possession charges.