Croc Wrangler: Defence and prosecution make final bids to jury

The jury has begun deliberations in the trial of Matt Wright, after three days of closing arguments and judge's directions.

In this episode, Stephen Stockwell, Olivana Lathouris and Matthew Garrick step through the key arguments each side made regarding whether to convict or acquit the former Territory face of tourism, Matt Wright, for attempting to pervert the course of justice.

If you have any questions you'd like Oli and Stocky to answer in future episodes, please email thecaseof@abc.net.au.

The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit podcast Mushroom Case Daily, and all episodes of that show will remain available in the back catalogue of The Case Of.

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It's the trial everyone in Darwin is talking about. In February 2022 a helicopter on a crocodile egg collection mission crashed in remote Arnhem Land, killing the egg collector and paralysing the pilot.

NT Croc Wrangler Matt Wright isn't on trial for the crash, but for what allegedly he did after. Charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, prosecutors say he tried to interfere with the investigation.

Matt Wright has pled not guilty and denies all the allegations.

To hear the background of this story, listen to our episode introducing the case of the croc wrangler.

You can also check out this article from ABC News, which breaks down the key players, charges and evidence so far.

The Case Of is the follow-up to the hit ABC podcast Mushroom Case Daily. The response to Mushroom Case Daily was overwhelming, with more than 8000 emails from listeners, many of them noting how the coverage had given them unprecedented insight into Australia's criminal judicial system. 

We decided to convert the podcast into an ongoing trial coverage feed to continue delivering on this front, following cases that capture the public's attention.