NSW cop found guilty over death of Indigenous teenager Jai Kalani Wright

Author Summary

NSW Police Sergeant Benedict Bryant was found guilty of dangerous driving causing the death of 16-year-old Indigenous teen Jai Kalani Wright in a 2022 Sydney crash, marking a rare accountability for an officer in such a case. (148 characters)

Incident Details

A New South Wales police sergeant, Benedict Bryant, 47, positioned his unmarked car without lights or sirens at the end of a bike path, blocking the path of teenager Jai Kalani Wright, a Dunghutti youth riding a reported stolen trail bike at high speed in Alexandria, inner Sydney, in February 2022. The 16-year-old collided with the vehicle, suffered severe head injuries, and died the next day at Prince Alfred Hospital.

Court Verdict

Judge Jane Culver ruled that Bryant, despite instructions not to pursue, should have foreseen the serious risk of collision from blocking the path. Though no intent to harm was found, his experience as an officer meant he knew the danger of creating such an obstacle. The courtroom reacted with gasps and tears as the guilty verdict on dangerous driving occasioning death was announced; Bryant will be sentenced on April 17.

Reactions and Significance

Nadine Miles of the Aboriginal Legal Service called it a historic first, noting police rarely face criminal charges, let alone conviction, for deaths in operations involving Aboriginal people in NSW. Jai's father, Lachlan Wright, hoped the outcome could improve police-First Nations relations to prevent future tragedies. A Bryant supporter outside court mentioned an appeal and blamed the late hour.

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National Indigenous Times National Indigenous Times — 2025-11-28

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