Matt Wright: Almost 120 potential witnesses named in reality TV croc-wrangler’s NT trial

A list of almost 120 potential witnesses in Outback Wrangler host Matt Wright’s criminal trial has been released as legal argument ahead of his Northern Territory Supreme Court proceedings continues.

Acting Justice Alan Blow, who is presiding over the high-profile trial in Darwin, released the Crown witness list which names 118 civilians, police officers and subject matter experts.

It comes after Mr Wright formally pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice on Monday.

Mr Wright’s charges relate to his alleged actions after a fatal chopper crash that killed his reality television co-star Chris Wilson, and left pilot Sebastian Robinson paraplegic, more than three years ago.

Mr Wright owned — but was not flying — a Robinson R44, registered VH-IDW, which collided with terrain during a crocodile egg collecting mission at King River in West Arnhem Land on February 28, 2022.

Wilson left behind his wife Danielle and their two young sons, Ted and Austin.

The single-mum arrived at court alone again on Tuesday, shortly before Mr Wright, who was flanked by his wife and legal team.

Pre-trial argument, held in closed court, continued on Tuesday as Acting Justice Blow released the Crown witness list to the media.

The list, prepared by the Director of Public Prosecutions, includes Mr Robinson — who was critically injured in the helicopter accident — and a number of his relatives.

Those who attended the crash site on the day it happened – including pilots Michael Burbidge and Jock Purcell, Darwin publican Mick Burns and former police officer Neil Mellon – are named. As are crocodile egg collectors Tim Luck and Ty Richardson.

Mr Wright’s former employees, tourists who flew in his choppers and cameraman Ashley Dunn, who was involved in filming his reality television shows, could also be called.

Dozens of police officers, who worked on the criminal investigation, are among the potential witnesses, along with medical and forensic experts.

Despite the long witness list, only about 25 of those named will be called to testify after a jury is empanelled later this week.

An entire day has been set aside to select a jury for the month-long trial due to the anticipated challenge of finding a dozen Darwin locals with no connection to anyone involved.

Mr Wright, 45, is facing three charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Count one is alleged to have occurred on March 3 of 2022 in Darwin.

Count 2 is alleged to have occurred between March 3 and March 13 of 2022 in Darwin and elsewhere.

Count 3 is alleged to have occurred between September 21 and September 25 of 2022 in Darwin and elsewhere.

Each charge carries a maximum 15-year jail sentence.

Barrister Jason Gullaci SC, of Parnell’s Barristers in Melbourne, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the NT’s Director of Public Prosecutions after taking it on just last month.

Mr Wright is represented by South Australian silk David Edwardson KC, of Adelaide’s Bar Chambers, and his instructing solicitor Luke Officer of Tindall Gask Bentley in Darwin.

The trial is expected to run for up to four weeks.