Arabic version: تم الإفراج عن مدرب التماسيح مات رايت بعد خمسة أشهر في السجن

Crocodile wrangler Matt Wright has been released from a Northern Territory prison after serving a five-month non-parole period. Wright, known for his roles in the television shows Outback Wrangler and Wild Croc Territory, was convicted last year on two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice related to a fatal helicopter crash.

According to ABC News, Wright was sentenced to 10 months in prison, with the non-parole period expiring today. He was jailed in December 2022 following a month-long Supreme Court trial.

Wright expressed his disappointment at missing the birth of his third child, a son named Sterling, during his time in jail. In a social media post, he shared his relief at being home with family but noted the challenging circumstances surrounding his release.

The charges against Wright stemmed from his actions following a 2022 helicopter crash in Arnhem Land that resulted in the death of his friend and co-star Chris “Willow” Wilson, and serious injuries to pilot Sebastian Robinson. While Wright was not accused of causing the crash, he was found guilty of lying to police and attempting to persuade Robinson to falsify helicopter records.

An appeal against his conviction was filed by his legal team last year; however, it has yet to progress. Following the trial, Wright indicated his intention to continue fighting the verdict, describing the situation as devastating for all involved.