Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has broken his silence following his release from Darwin Correctional Centre. The reality television personality served five months in prison after being convicted of perverting the course of justice related to a 2022 helicopter crash that resulted in the death of Chris Wilson and injuries to pilot Sebastian Robinson.

Missed Birth of Third Child

Wright's release came just hours after his wife, Kaia, gave birth to their third child, Sterling, on Mother's Day at Darwin Hospital. Kaia had been advocating for her husband's early release to be present for the birth, but her requests were denied. Wright's best friend supported Kaia during the delivery in his absence.

Wright's Statement and Appeal

Upon his release at around 6am on Monday, Wright declared his intention to continue fighting to clear his name. "I've done my time, I'm continuing with my appeal and will keep fighting to bring to light the injustice that's occurred," the 47-year-old stated. He shared a family photo on Instagram, expressing his joy at being reunited with his family, though he regretted missing Sterling's birth.

Prison Sources Reveal Emotional Toll

Prison sources revealed that Wright was deeply affected by missing his son's birth, having seen his wife as recently as Wednesday, still hoping for an early release. Wright had been approved for administrative home detention on March 5 after serving over three months of his sentence. However, this approval was revoked just a day before his release, causing significant emotional distress.

Background of the Case

The incident occurred during a crocodile egg-collecting trip in Arnhem Land in 2022. Wilson was slung on a line below a helicopter to be dropped onto nests in remote swampland. Wright was accused of lying to crash investigators about the aircraft's fuel levels, pressuring Robinson to falsify flying hours, and asking a friend to destroy the helicopter's maintenance release.

Jury Verdict and Sentencing

On August 29, a jury found Wright guilty on the first two counts but could not reach a verdict on the third accusation. Wright was not charged in relation to the cause of the crash but was found to have acted without remorse and pressured a catastrophically injured witness in hospital. The crash occurred during a crocodile egg-collecting trip in Arnhem Land in 2022.