Share this @internewscast.com
Warning: this article contains the name and image of an Aboriginal person who has died.
A police sergeant who was told not to pursue a teenager riding a trail bike has been told he caused the death of the young man when he placed his unmarked car in his path.

Benedict Bryant, aged 47, was convicted on Friday for causing the death of Dunghutti teenager Jai Kalani Wright due to dangerous driving. The incident took place in February 2022 within an inner Sydney suburb.

Judge Jane Culver ruled Bryant should have known placing his car without its lights and sirens activated could have caused a collision which posed a serious risk to the 16-year-old.
Bryant was behind the wheel when he parked the car at the end of a bike path he knew the teen was riding down at speed.
After colliding with the car, Jai was thrown off his bike and suffered critical head injuries, dying at Prince Alfred Hospital the following day.
While there was no evidence the sergeant was intending to injure or kill the teenager, the judge found a person of his experience should have known creating the obstacle would pose a danger.
Judge Culver found Bryant also failed to consider how other parked cars in the intersection would have impacted the boy’s ability to see the police car in his path.
“The presence of these other vehicles posed a visible and physical obstruction to the accused … this required the accused to exercise a greater degree of caution,” she said.
More than 40 members of the teenager’s family packed the Darlinghurst court room, with dozens of others filling an overflow room.
There were gasps and tears as the judge revealed her verdict while Bryant sat with his head bowed and eyes closed for most of the proceedings.

After the court proceedings, one of Bryant’s supporters announced plans to appeal the verdict, arguing that the tragic event could have been avoided if individuals had been “in bed, like they should be” at the time.

Principal Legal Officer of the Aboriginal Legal Service Nadine Miles said the verdict confirms Bryant “caused the death” of the teenager.
“This is a tragedy that never should have happened,” she said.
She said it is a historic first for the state.
“It is rare for police officers to face criminal charges when they are involved in the death of a community member, and even rarer for a court to return a guilty verdict,” Ms Miles said.
“We are not aware of a previous instance where a police officer has been held criminally responsible for the death of an Aboriginal person in custody or in a police operation in NSW.

Kylie Aloua, the mother of Jai Wright, expressed the importance of holding police accountable for their actions. She emphasized that the community needs to trust in their safety when dealing with law enforcement, lamenting that some officers’ actions have undermined this trust.

STOP BLACK DEATHS IN CUSTODY RALLY

The tragic incident occurred during a protest in Sydney, where Jai Wright was riding a trail bike that collided with an unmarked police vehicle. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting concerns about police conduct and accountability. [Image Source: Mark Evans/AAP Image]

Jai Wright’s mother, Kylie Aloua, remarked that the conviction represents a “step in the right direction,” reflecting her hope for justice and change.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Reserve Bank Governor Issues Advisory on Next Year’s Interest Rates

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the interest rate unchanged…
Residents said a group of strangers threatened their daughters.

Man Faces Challenges Following Queensland Street Altercation

An 18th birthday celebration in Queensland spiraled into chaos when several men…
Judge says Ghislaine Maxwell court documents can be released

Breaking News: Judge Orders Release of Ghislaine Maxwell Court Documents – Discover the Details

A federal judge in New York has approved the US Justice Department’s…
The NDIS is introducing computer-generated plans. Here's what that means

Revolutionizing Support: How NDIS Computer-Generated Plans are Transforming Participant Experiences

Recent weeks have seen growing concerns among National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)…
Federal politicians billed taxpayers $1.1 million for their family's travel

Taxpayer Burden: Federal Politicians’ Family Travel Expenses Soar to $1.1 Million

Federal politicians have billed taxpayers more than $1.1 million in one year…

Sydney’s Cherished Christmas Tradition Discontinued, Leaving Community Stunned

Sydney locals are expressing their frustration after the sudden cancellation of David…

Tasmania Issues Fresh Bushfire Alerts: Communities Assess Impact

At least two structures have been damaged in a bushfire on Tasmania’s…
Australia's richest person loses bid for rooftop helipad

Billionaire Ambitions Grounded: Australia’s Wealthiest Loses Rooftop Helipad Battle

Gina Rinehart, Australia’s wealthiest individual, recently faced a setback in her plans…
christmas lunch

Unlock the Festive Calendar: Key Public Holidays During Christmas and New Year 2023

Christmas is approaching, which means businesses around Australia will shut down, and…

Rising Threat: Smuggling Balloons Trigger Emergency Alert in Lithuania Amid Border Security Concerns

Smuggling balloons drifting over the Belarusian border have forced repeated shutdowns at…
Australian nutritionist and food influencer Stacey Hatfield has died from an extremely rare complication during childbirth, her heartbroken husband Nathan Warnecke said.

Tragic Loss: Influencer’s Home ‘Free Birth’ Leads to Fatal Blood Loss, Court Hears

A wellness influencer tragically passed away due to severe blood loss after…

Live Coverage: Today’s Latest Features and Trends on TikTok

Amnesty International has criticized a recent ban, labeling it as an “ineffective…