Dan Andrews Denies Defamation in Old Car-Bike Crash Case

A lawsuit claims former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews and his wife defamed a cyclist injured in a 2013 crash. The Andrews family denies these claims and says they were also victims. The case is now in court.
By Newsroom | Law, Australia |

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and his wife, Catherine Andrews, have formally denied defaming Ryan Meuleman, a teenager who was seriously injured in a car-bicycle collision with the Andrews' vehicle over a decade ago. Meuleman, who was 15 at the time of the 2013 incident, has filed a lawsuit alleging defamation, stemming from the original collision and the subsequent handling of the event. The case highlights a long-standing controversy, often referred to as the "Bike Boy scandal," which has previously drawn scrutiny regarding police procedures and anti-corruption investigations.

The incident occurred in Blairgowrie on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula in 2013. Ryan Meuleman, then a 15-year-old cyclist, collided with a vehicle driven by Catherine Andrews, with Daniel Andrews (then opposition leader) and their three children as passengers. Meuleman sustained serious injuries. Victoria Police investigated the collision at the time.

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Dan Andrews FINALLY breaks his silence on the bicycle-car crash that's dogged him for years - as he claims he and his wife were ALSO victims - 1

Meuleman's lawsuit, filed in the Federal Court, alleges that the Andrews family's actions and statements have defamed him. He further claims that they used legal proceedings to obtain money based on what he asserts are false claims about the collision. Meuleman also alleges he has been subjected to online trolling, being labeled with terms such as "grifter." He asserts that he does not have a reputation for dishonesty and has not abused court processes. Conversely, the Andrews' defense suggests Meuleman is less articulate and more vulnerable than them, and that a joint statement they issued triggered alleged trolling.

Controversies Surrounding Police Investigation

Concerns have been raised about the original police investigation into the 2013 collision. Reports indicate a lack of standard police procedures were followed, including:

Dan Andrews FINALLY breaks his silence on the bicycle-car crash that's dogged him for years - as he claims he and his wife were ALSO victims - 2

  • Absence of experienced police at the scene.

  • No contact with specialized police units like MCIU or Highway Patrol.

  • Failure to conduct breath tests on either Catherine or Daniel Andrews, a breach of standard operating procedures.

  • Lack of essential investigative steps, such as:

  • Securing the scene or preserving vehicles.

  • Taking measurements, photographs, or conducting scientific reconstruction.

  • Separating and interviewing witnesses.

  • Conducting effective door-knocking inquiries.

  • Establishing points of impact, reference, or vehicle/body rest.

One expert report cited suggests the vehicle's stopping distance indicates a pre-impact speed of approximately 45 km/h. Questions have also arisen regarding the initial recording of a driver named "KESIK" on a TIS report and the delay in its amendment.

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Anti-Corruption and Internal Reviews

The handling of the 2013 incident has been subject to review by Victoria's anti-corruption body, IBAC. However, it is reported that IBAC outsourced its analysis of certain issues, such as breath-testing protocols, back to Victoria Police. Furthermore, a former police officer, Dr. Shuey, reportedly produced a report detailing 35 procedural errors committed by Victoria Police. It is unclear how much weight a judge will give to his report, as he can no longer be cross-examined.

Dan Andrews FINALLY breaks his silence on the bicycle-car crash that's dogged him for years - as he claims he and his wife were ALSO victims - 3

Andrews' Response and Defense

In response to the ongoing legal proceedings and public commentary, Daniel Andrews has spoken about the incident. He has denied defamation and has stated that he and his wife were also victims in the collision. He has described the claims against him as "appalling conspiracy theories."

A joint statement from Daniel and Catherine Andrews indicates that a triple-0 call made after the incident is consistent with previous statements they have provided. They also contend that a media "witch hunt" has mitigated any potential harm. Their defense team has alleged that Meuleman sought to use legal proceedings to gain a financial advantage based on what they consider false claims and a "specious report."

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Dan Andrews FINALLY breaks his silence on the bicycle-car crash that's dogged him for years - as he claims he and his wife were ALSO victims - 4

Meuleman's Position and Ongoing Advocacy

Ryan Meuleman has maintained that he suffered serious injuries in the accident that "almost killed" him. He continues to advocate for a full criminal investigation into the 2013 collision. He has declined to comment publicly on the current lawsuit out of respect for the Federal Court process.

The defamation case is proceeding in the Federal Court. The Andrews have officially denied defaming Meuleman. The court will need to weigh the allegations of defamation against the claims of being victims and the counter-allegations regarding the pursuit of financial gain through legal means. The findings of previous police investigations and anti-corruption reviews may also form part of the evidence presented.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is suing Dan Andrews?
Ryan Meuleman, a cyclist who was injured in a crash with the Andrews' car in 2013, is suing Dan and Catherine Andrews. He says they defamed him.
Q: What happened in the 2013 crash?
Ryan Meuleman, then 15, was riding his bike and collided with a car driven by Catherine Andrews, with Dan Andrews and their children inside. Meuleman was badly hurt.
Q: What are the Andrews' main arguments?
Dan and Catherine Andrews deny defaming Meuleman. They say they were also victims and that Meuleman is trying to get money with false claims. They call some claims 'conspiracy theories'.
Q: Why is the police investigation being questioned?
Some reports say police did not follow normal steps when they first looked into the crash. This includes not doing breath tests and not gathering enough evidence.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
The case is now in the Federal Court. The court will look at the claims of defamation and the defense's arguments. Past police reviews might also be part of the evidence.