Teenage driver in horror Buxton crash gets bail

The teenager driver charged with five counts of dangerous driving following an accident in Sydney’s southwest in which his five friends died has been granted bail.

Tyrell Edwards.

The teenager driver charged with five counts of dangerous driving following an accident in Sydney’s southwest in which his five friends died has been granted bail after a judge took into account his fragile mental state.

Tyrell Edwards faced the NSW Supreme Court after being denied bail after the fatal accident on September 6 in Buxton that resulted in the death of three girls and two boys aged between 14 and 16. The 18-year-old was at the wheel of a Nissan Navara ute that collided with two trees, killing Summer Williams, 14, Gabriella McLennan, 14, Tyrese Bechard, 15, Lily van de Putte, 15, and Antonio Desisto, 16.

On Tuesday, judge Robert Beech-Jones referred to a psychologist’s report that said the P-plate driver was “obviously distressed” in custody, and of a “moderately high” suicide risk.

“The psychologist describes the applicant as being affected by a combination of quote prominent distress, complex grief, anxiety, survivor guilt and shame, self-condemnation and realisation of the stigma he will likely face both in the prison environment and in the community,” Justice Beech-Jones said. “It seems that regardless of the outcome of the proceedings, the applicant’s punishment has commenced”.

The psychologist’s report stated Mr Edwards would not have adequate mental health support and intervention in prison.

The crown disputed that claim and held concerns Mr Edwards would drive while on bail.

While Mr Edwards has no prior criminal record, he has previously had his licence suspended twice, though it was conceded that the alleged offending was “unintentional”.

Bail was granted on the grounds of Mr Edwards’ lack of criminal history and the strong support of his family.

Mourners at the crash site. Picture: Julian Andrews

“Despite the great suffering that was occasioned, this application had to be granted,” Justice Beech-Jones said.

Mr Edwards must live with his parents, can leave home only in the company of his mother, must report to police daily and may undertake supervised work as a labourer. He is prohibited from drinking alcohol or consuming illicit drugs and cannot get behind the wheel of any vehicle.

If he fails to appear in court at a future date, his family will forfeit $100,000.

Portions of the police fact sheet detailed the circumstances of the crash. “Prior to the accident, the applicant’s vehicle crossed on to the wrong side of East Parade before the off-side tires moved on the grass shoulder and then back on to the correct side of the road.

“The vehicle then rotated clockwise before colliding with a large tree near the shoulder of the road, which caused it to rotate anticlockwise and collide with a second tree.

The matter will return to Picton Local Court on November 16.