Celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright will spend five months in prison for tampering with evidence following a tragic helicopter crash that killed his co-star and left the pilot a paraplegic.
In August, the former Netflix star was found guilty of lying to police and pressuring a hospitalized witness after the 2022 crash in the Northern Territory.
On Friday, Acting Justice Alan Blow handed Wright a 10-month prison term, suspended after serving half, along with a fine of A$5,000 ($3,300; £2,500).
Justice Blow noted that Wright had shown no remorse, though he considered him unlikely to reoffend.
Despite facing a maximum sentence of 15 years, the jury could not reach a verdict on a third charge related to Wright allegedly asking a friend to 'torch' evidence.
The case revolves around a helicopter crash in February 2022 in Arnhem Land, where co-star Chris Willow Wilson was killed and pilot Sebastian Robinson suffered severe injuries.
The court heard that Wright lied about the helicopter's fuel levels to avoid scrutiny and pressured Robinson to alter flight records post-crash.
The trial revealed troubling practices within the NT helicopter community regarding the falsification of flight records, which Wright's defense acknowledged as widespread, but contended that he had not obstructed justice.
Wright's lawyers indicated intent to appeal the verdicts, emphasizing his community contributions and character references as mitigating factors.
The trial showcased Wright's idolized status, as evidenced by testimonies from crew members who admired him.
