A police sergeant who was told not to chase a teenager riding a trail bike has been told he caused the young man’s death when he parked his unmarked car in his path.
Benedict Bryant, 47, was found guilty on Friday of dangerous driving over the death of Indigenous teenager Jai Kalani Wright in February 2022 in an inner suburb of Sydney.
Judge Jane Culver ruled that Bryant should have known that starting her car without lights and siren could cause a collision, which could have posed a serious threat to the 16-year-old.
Bryant was behind the wheel when he parked the car at the end of the bike path, aware that the teen was driving fast.
After being hit by the car, Jay fell from his bike and suffered serious head injuries, dying at Prince Alfred Hospital the next day.
Although there was no evidence that the sergeant intended to injure or kill the teen, the judge found that a person with his experience should have known that causing a disturbance could pose a danger.
Culver found that Bryant also failed to consider how other cars parked at the intersection might have affected the boy’s ability to see the police car in his path.
He said, “The presence of these other vehicles created a visual and physical obstruction for the accused… This required the accused to exercise more caution.”
More than 40 members of the teen’s family filled the Darlinghurst courtroom, while dozens of others filled the overflow room.
There were gasps and tears as the judge announced his decision, while Bryant remained with his head bowed and eyes closed during most of the proceedings.
Speaking outside the court, a supporter of Bryant indicated that he would appeal the verdict and said that if everyone had been “in bed, like they should have been” the incident would never have happened.
Lachlan Wright, Jay’s father, said outside court that he hopes the verdict can reset relations between police and First Nations people.
He said, “If things can change in the future in this country in relation to the relationship between Aboriginal people and the police force, then perhaps something like this will not happen again.”
Bryant will return for sentencing on April 17.
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For information and support in Australia For the crisis support line for Indigenous Australians call 13YARN on 13 92 76; Or call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
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