Following a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday, Chief Justice Michael Grant set an eight-week trial date beginning on July 7, 2025.
In the NT Supreme Court in Darwin, senior crown prosecutor Steve Ledek said charges currently before the Darwin Local Court would also be added to the indictment and explored at trial.
"That's a process that won't take much time," he told the court.
"We've already incorporated materials to provide (Mr Wright's lawyers) ... we need to add those because they relate to specific, identifiable acts or criminal conduct."
Mr Ledek also said a surveillance device held by the prosecution has now been provided to the defence.
It is expected the prosecution will call 125 witnesses.
Trial Length and Witness Testimony
The length of the trial, spanning eight weeks, is a testament to the complexity of the case. The sheer number of witnesses expected to testify, including 85 who are anticipated to provide insights into the alleged unsound management practices surrounding Mr. Wright's helicopters, underscores the extensive investigation and the potential breadth of evidence that will be presented in court.
Subpoena Mishap and Legal Battles
Wright's barrister Frank Merenda explained a subpoena issued to NT Police Commissioner Micheal Murphy and NT Police needed to be reissued following several mistakes in the legal requirements of that document.
Justice Grant highlighted the shortcomings in the initial subpoena, emphasizing that it did not adhere to the established practices of the court.
"The first was that it … was not in accordance with the practice of this court that's been in place for 21 years," he said.
"[The] second problem was it was faulty, in any event, on its face, because it had the date of production as the date it was filed."
Wright turned his head from side to side as he followed the heated exchange between the bench and Justice Grant.
Wright's counsel said the subpoena would be refiled in accordance with the court.
Delays and Next Steps
The pre-trial hearing on Wednesday also revealed some of the challenges and complexities in preparing for a trial of this magnitude. The prosecution's failure to submit a list of witnesses or an outline of their argument raised concerns from the Chief Justice, who emphasized the importance of a transparent and organized process.
The matter is scheduled for pre-trial hearing on October 25. This hearing will provide further insight into the trajectory of the case, including the potential for concessions or admissions from Mr. Wright's defense that might shorten the trial duration.
The public and media remain captivated by this unfolding saga, with questions lingering about the circumstances of the crash and the potential implications for the future of Outback Wrangler Matt Wright's career and personal life.
