Darwin, NT - Convicted television personality Matt Wright, known for his roles in "Outback Wrangler" and "Wild Croc Territory," has been denied administrative home detention, a decision that will prevent him from being present for the birth of his third child. The Northern Territory Department of Corrections Commissioner, Matthew Varley, ruled against the release of the 47-year-old, who was reportedly approved for home detention and awaiting the fitting of an ankle monitor.
Wright had applied for a seven-day early release to attend the birth of his child with his wife, Kaia Wright, who is reportedly due soon. This setback comes after Wright was found guilty on two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice in August. He has since launched an appeal against these convictions.
Business Empire and Personal Life Under Strain
The legal troubles have cast a long shadow over Wright's professional and personal life. His lawyer, Luke Officer, has previously highlighted the "financially devastating" impact of the Supreme Court trial, stating that Wright's tourism businesses have dwindled from several operations to just two. Wright himself has admitted in court to being unable to afford legal representation, indicating he intends to represent himself in future proceedings.
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His wife, Kaia Wright, an influencer who has often been featured in his shows, has publicly expressed her frustration with the investigation into the fatal helicopter crash that led to Wright's charges. She has claimed the investigation focused more on her husband than on the crash's cause. Wright was convicted following the death of Chris Wilson, a co-star and friend, who died while collecting crocodile eggs. Wright has maintained his innocence, denying he caused the crash, Wilson's death, or injuries to pilot Sebastian Robinson.
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Background to the Convictions
The charges against Matt Wright stem from a fatal helicopter crash that occurred in February 2022. Wright was found guilty by a jury of attempting to pervert the course of justice. While the prosecution did not allege Wright caused the crash itself, his conviction relates to actions taken afterward. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended after five months, for the convictions related to the crash that killed Chris Wilson and left pilot Sebastian Robinson with severe injuries. The jury could not reach an agreement on a third torching accusation.
In addition to the criminal convictions, Wright and his company, Helibrook, have faced other legal actions, including charges related to an airboat crash in October 2024 where a woman sustained a fractured skull and seven others were injured. Wright had also previously been the subject of an arrest warrant following an investigation into the helicopter crash.
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