Teen’s next move after fatal crash
A P-plater who police allege was driving dangerously at more than 45km over the speed limit when his car crashed into a tree and killed five teens in rural NSW will enter pleas next month.
Tyrell Edwards was originally charged with five counts of dangerous driving occasioning death after a fatal crash that devastated the small town community of Buxton, south of Sydney.
In February, he was hit with five additional charges of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death with speed more than 45km over the limit.
Police allege the Bargo resident was driving his Nissan Navara “at high speeds” along East Parade in Buxton at 8pm on September 6 last year when the vehicle spun out of control and smashed into a tree.
He was the sole survivor of the crash which killed his five passengers, all of whom were aged between 14 and 16 years old.
Local children Summer Williams, Antonio Desisto, Gabriella McLennan, Lily Van de Putte, and Tyrese Bechard were all pronounced dead at the scene.
The 19-year-old did not front Picton Local Court on Friday where a representative from the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court a case conference had been held.
However, the defence were yet to obtain final instructions and asked for the matter to be adjourned for four weeks.
Magistrate David Degnan told the court Mr Edwards must appear in court on July 28 when pleas are to be entered.
Documents tendered to the court reveal police uncovered a video on Mr Edwards’ phone from an hour before the fatal crash which allegedly shows him driving dangerously.
The P-plater was driving at speeds of at least 105 km along a 60 km/hr road, police claim.
The video obtained by police allegedly shows the teen driver holding his phone with one hand and “aggressively” turning the wheel with the other as the car swerves violently.
According to the police allegations, witnesses at the scene heard Mr Edwards say: “I f***ed up, I’m going to jail.”
The court previously heard the brief of evidence had been compiled by the Director of Public Prosecutions and served on the defence.
Mr Edwards is currently on bail but he is prohibited from leaving his house except to attend the police station, court, or a medical appointment.
He is also forbidden from occupying the driver’s seat of any motorised vehicle.
