Outback Wrangler Matt Wright expected to plead over chopper fight with Virginia neighbours
A four-year helicopter spat between reality television star Matt Wright and his Top End neighbours is expected to be resolved.
Police & Courts
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Outback Wrangler Matt Wright is expected to make a plea over allegations he illegally used his yard like an aircraft landing strip, to the annoyance of his Top End neighbours.
On Tuesday prosecutor Jon Bortoli told Darwin Local Court that allegations Mr Wright breached the Territory’s Planning Act had been resolved.
The reality television star was charged with using land in contravention of the planning scheme, and contravening a permit.
Despite a three-year saga through the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, it was alleged that Mr Wright continued to fly his choppers to and from his Virginia property between April 26 and May 8, 2024.
In 2021 Mr Wright’s neighbours complained to the Development Consent Authority that the celebrity couple were using their yard like an airstrip.
The Wrights contested the 2021 enforcement notice in NTCAT, but it was ultimately ruled that they could no longer continue using the choppers in the rural-living zoned area.
It is alleged despite this ruling, Mr Wright continued to use his helicopter from his Virginia home.
Judge Greg MacDonald heard that following discussions between Mr Bortoli and Mr Wright’s solicitor, the charges had been resolved.
Mr Bortoli noted Mr Wright was still facing another of other matters and it would be best if the Planning Act charges were finalised after an anticipated eight-week trial in July.
Mr Wright’s lengthy Supreme Court trial on the single charge of perverting the course of justice following the fatal helicopter crash which killed Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson in early 2022.
Mr Wright will be required to attend in his next court appearance for the planning act charges on April 15, 2025.
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