The family of an Indigenous youngster who passed away following what is believed to have been an officer-driven unmarked police car strike is “emotionally and relieved” that charges have been brought.
On February 19, 2022, in inner-city Sydney, Jai Kalani Wright, 16, was reportedly riding a trail bike when it crashed with Sergeant Benedict Bryant’s unmarked police cruiser.
After being flung from the bike, he received severe brain injuries and passed on the next day at Prince Alfred Hospital.
When word leaked out late last month that Bryant would be brought to prosecutors for possible charges, the inquest into Wright’s murder was put on hold.
Court Attendance Notices were used to lay accusations of reckless driving resulting in death and dangerous driving resulting in death, according to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutors yesterday.
“Following a referral from the State Coroner on 8 February 2024, the Director of Public Prosecutions has provided advice as required by the Coroners Act 2009 and determined that proceedings will be taken against a known person in relation to the death of Jai Wright,” stated a spokeswoman.
Family members described the Dunghutti lad, who was learning to become an electrical apprentice and was from Revesby in Sydney’s southwest, as intelligent, witty, extremely joyful, and the life of the party.
The accusations were welcomed by Jai’s parents, Lachlan Wright and Kylie Aloua, as they were made on the second anniversary of their son’s passing.
“The fact that charges have been filed makes us happy and emotional. “Our vibrant, beautiful son has been absent from our lives for the past two years,” they stated in a statement.
“So many people adored him, and he was clever and humorous.
“We ask our community and all of Jai’s supporters to hold back on comments about the case for now while the legal process plays out,” the statement read.
“Thank you to everyone for your support over these two tough years.”
The NSW/ACT Aboriginal Legal Service’s CEO, Karly Warner, called the charges “an important step towards accountability.”
“We are proud to stand with Jai’s family,” she stated.
“Seeing the passing of a young man, a proud Dunghutti, is heartbreaking.
“Jai’s passing has had an impact on our community.
“Jai is one of at least 558 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have died in custody and police operations since the royal commission that was meant to stop this national shame.”
The bike Jai was riding was last seen going right onto Sydney Park Road in Alexandria, according to police during the inquest.
It had been taken at 7 a.m., together with a white BMW and a black Mercedes, police said. A little while before, comparable cars had been seen at a Newtown traffic light.
Despite losing sight of the motorcyclist, two constables informed other officers to keep an eye on the area.
The inquest police were instructed to remain in the area but not pursue the vehicles, according to counsel representing Peggy Dwyer SC.
The bike struck the police car quickly after Bryant reportedly swung his unmarked silver Holden Commodore in front of it on video that was shown to the court.
Speaking outside the inquest on January 30, Jai’s father said that while everyone regretted decisions taken in their youth, no one should have to die because of a mistake.
“We grow from our mistakes, we learn from that,” he stated.
