Perth Doctor Admits Manslaughter After Fatal 130km/h Crash in Dalkeith

A Perth doctor admitted to killing a young woman after driving nearly three times the speed limit. This is much faster than the 50km/h limit.
By Newsroom | Crime, Australia |

A doctor has admitted to causing the death of a young woman and severely injuring a rideshare driver. The admitting of guilt follows charges related to dangerous and reckless driving, with evidence suggesting high speeds and erratic behavior in the moments leading up to the fatal incident. The events unfolded in Dalkeith, Western Australia.

The case centers on Dr. Rhys Bellinge, an obstetrician, who was involved in a serious car crash on February 15, 2025. The collision involved his Jaguar sedan and a Honda Jazz hatchback operating as a rideshare vehicle. Elizabeth Pearce, a 24-year-old passenger in the rideshare car, died as a result of the crash. The driver of the rideshare vehicle, a man in his 20s, sustained critical injuries, including broken femurs and a broken arm.

February 15, 2025: The fatal crash occurred in Dalkeith around 10 pm. Dr. Bellinge, allegedly speeding and driving erratically, crashed his Jaguar into the rideshare car.

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February 17, 2025: Dr. Bellinge, aged 45, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court via a bedside hearing from his hospital bed, where he was charged with manslaughter and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm. He was reportedly speeding, with some reports alleging speeds of 130 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. He told police he could not see due to tears in his eyes.

February 18, 2025: A decision on Dr. Bellinge's bail application was delayed as prosecutors reviewed further dashcam footage from his car. This footage allegedly captured him driving at speed and erratically in the days prior to the crash, including what were described as "rants" about his wife.

February 19, 2025: Dr. Bellinge's bid for $1 million bail was heard. He was hospitalized with a serious spinal fracture.

August 20, 2025: Dr. Rhys Bellinge pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Elizabeth Pearce and other driving charges. Court reports indicated he had been drinking and had a blood alcohol reading of 0.183, which is almost four times the legal limit. He also admitted to driving dangerously and recklessly in the days before the fatal crash.

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February 2026: Sentencing is scheduled for Dr. Bellinge.

Evidence Presented in Court

  • Dashcam Footage: Footage from Dr. Bellinge's car's dashcam has been a significant piece of evidence.

  • Footage from days before the crash: This allegedly shows Dr. Bellinge driving at speed and erratically in the same area where the fatal crash occurred. It also reportedly captured him ranting about his wife.

  • Footage showing aggressive driving: Prosecutors allege dashcam footage depicted Dr. Bellinge driving aggressively.

  • Police Interviews: Dr. Bellinge reportedly told police he could not see while driving due to tears in his eyes.

  • Witness Accounts (Implied): While not explicitly detailed in the provided summaries, court proceedings rely on accounts of the incident.

  • Blood Alcohol Reading: Dr. Bellinge's blood alcohol reading was reported as 0.183.

  • Speed Allegations: Court was told Dr. Bellinge was allegedly driving at 130 km/h in a 50 km/h zone.

  • Guilty Pleas: Dr. Bellinge has entered guilty pleas to charges including manslaughter, dangerous driving, and reckless driving.

Circumstances of the Fatal Crash

On the night of February 15, 2025, Dr. Rhys Bellinge was driving his Jaguar sedan. The vehicle is described as a high-powered car.

  • Alleged Impairment: Reports indicate Dr. Bellinge had been drinking while watching football at his father's home prior to driving. His blood alcohol reading was alleged to be 0.183.

  • Excessive Speed: Prosecutors allege he was traveling at speeds significantly exceeding the legal limit, with reports suggesting 130 km/h in a 50 km/h zone.

  • Erratic Driving: Evidence, including dashcam footage, suggests his driving was erratic and aggressive.

  • Collision: The Jaguar collided with a Honda Jazz hatchback being used as a rideshare vehicle.

  • Victims: Elizabeth Pearce, a passenger in the rideshare car, died from her injuries. The rideshare driver sustained severe injuries.

Dr. Bellinge's State and Background

Dr. Rhys Bellinge, 45, is a prominent obstetrician.

  • Injuries: He suffered a serious spinal fracture in the crash and was hospitalized, initially in a spinal brace.

  • Family Background: He comes from a wealthy family. His father, Bruce Bellinge, is a millionaire businessman and founder of a Perth fertility clinic. His father was present in court during his guilty plea.

  • Marital Situation: Reports mention he had recently separated from his wife, who had left him a month prior to the crash.

Conflicting Accounts and Driver's Vision

One detail that has emerged is Dr. Bellinge's alleged explanation for his impaired vision.

  • Tears in Eyes: He reportedly told police he could not see because he had tears in his eyes.

  • Prosecution's Counter: Prosecutors have presented dashcam footage showing him driving erratically and in a state of agitation, including what were described as "rants," in the days leading up to the crash. This footage was viewed in conjunction with his current injuries and the circumstances of his separation from his wife.

Conclusion and Future Steps

Dr. Rhys Bellinge has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and other driving offenses related to the fatal Dalkeith crash. The evidence presented includes allegations of extreme speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and erratic driving behavior captured on dashcam footage. The court has also heard about his personal circumstances, including his recent marital separation and injuries sustained in the crash. The next stage of proceedings involves sentencing, which is scheduled for February 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Dr. Rhys Bellinge plead guilty to manslaughter in Dalkeith?
Dr. Rhys Bellinge pleaded guilty to manslaughter for causing the death of Elizabeth Pearce and severely injuring a rideshare driver. The crash happened on February 15, 2025, in Dalkeith, Western Australia.
Q: What were the driving conditions during the fatal Dalkeith crash on February 15, 2025?
Prosecutors allege Dr. Bellinge was driving at 130 km/h in a 50 km/h zone and had a blood alcohol reading of 0.183, nearly four times the legal limit. He also admitted to driving erratically in the days before the crash.
Q: Who was affected by the fatal crash caused by Dr. Rhys Bellinge?
Elizabeth Pearce, a 24-year-old passenger in the rideshare car, died from her injuries. The rideshare driver, a man in his 20s, suffered critical injuries including broken femurs and a broken arm.
Q: What evidence led to Dr. Rhys Bellinge's guilty plea?
Dr. Bellinge pleaded guilty to manslaughter and other driving charges. Evidence included dashcam footage showing aggressive driving and his own admission of drinking and driving with a high blood alcohol reading.
Q: When will Dr. Rhys Bellinge be sentenced for the Dalkeith fatal crash?
Sentencing for Dr. Rhys Bellinge is scheduled for February 2026. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and dangerous driving charges related to the February 15, 2025 incident.