A teenager accused of dangerous driving over a crash near Sydney that claimed five lives had his license suspended twice for speeding, a court has heard.
Key Points:
- Edwards suffered non-life threatening injuries in the crash
- Five passengers died in the accident when the car collided with a tree
- The case will return to court in November
Tyrell Edwards was interviewed by police last night about the crash in Buxton, which involved a Nissan Navara that crashed into a tree.
Three girls and two boys, aged between 14 and 16, died, and Mr Edwards suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Two of the victims were Picton High School students Lily Van de Putte and Antonio Desisto.
The ABC has received permission from their parents to identify them, but the other victims cannot be named for legal reasons.
Edwards, 18, has been charged with five counts of dangerous driving causing death and was refused bail today.
Tyrell Edwards’ parents supported their son in court. (AAP: Dan Himbrechts)
Picton Local Court heard Edwards only had a provisional license from 2021 and during that time was suspended for two separate three-month periods for speeding incidents.
The prosecutor told the court the Crown’s case is strong and footage exists to support the “elements” leading up to the alleged offences.
Lily Van de Putte was one of five passengers on the bus when it hit a tree in Buxton. (Provided: Facebook) Antonio Desisto’s father attended court today. (Supplied)
The footage shows “a high level of moral culpability”, the court heard.
The court also said the prosecution is concerned that Mr Edwards, who is from the small community of Bargo, could come into contact with parties involved in the proceedings and there is a risk he could interfere with witnesses.
His lawyer proposed conditions, including that he live with his parents, report to the police daily and obey a curfew.
But Magistrate Mark Douglass said Mr Edwards’ driving suspensions stood out.
“As a direct result of his inexperience driving, he was subjected to two demerit point suspensions,” he said.
The locals were surprised by the accident. (ABC News: Harriet Tatham)
His license was renewed in July this year and the magistrate said the driving record was “problematic” for the bail application.
He noted that Mr Edwards had previously experienced anxiety and required psychological treatment following the accident.
“However, given the breach of trust assault, given the flagrant breach of traffic rules that the police allege occurred, this court has no confidence that this particular person will comply, given the ‘history that I have explained, the bail conditions set by the court. this particular time,’ he said.
“He was suspended for two three-month periods in maybe less than 18 months.
“This was not enough, according to the police, to stop what is a very serious course of dangerous driving, if proven.”
Edwards, who the court heard has no criminal record, appeared via video link in a dark hoodie and held his hands together on a table in front of him.
Court documents outlining the alleged police actions reveal that Mr Edwards’ mobile phone was seized and allegedly contained a video made 67 minutes before the collision.
“The footage shows the defendant holding his cell phone in his left hand while intentionally and aggressively turning the steering wheel from left to right with his right hand,” the documents state.
“Loud music is heard playing inside the vehicle and all the men are laughing as the vehicle violently spins in the driveway.”
According to the alleged police facts, the vehicle was traveling at 90 kilometers per hour, while two of the victims shouted “fuck you” and “we’ll get away with it, because”.
Court documents also allege that at the scene, witnesses heard Mr Edwards say: “I’ve screwed up, I’m going to jail”.
Floral tributes continue to be left at the scene of the accident. (ABC News: Fletcher Young) Court documents say the scene does not match Mr. Edwards. (ABC News)
During a police interview, he allegedly told police he experienced “steering failure” inside the vehicle, which he described as “shaking, going from left to right.”
According to court documents, Mr Edwards claimed to have tried to brake but said the vehicle did not slow down significantly.
“Roadside evidence documented at the scene of the collision is inconsistent with the defendant’s version,” the documents state.
Exaven Desisto says Tyrell Edwards has “a good heart.
Antonio Desisto’s father, Exaven Desisto, said that although he knows Mr Edwards, “he needs to be held accountable”.
“I know the family has a good family and Tyrell has a good heart,” Desisto said.
“People need to be held accountable for their actions. It’s not going to come back into children’s lives… Just think when you get in the car how precious life is.
“I have to go see my son in the fucking morgue.”
A large group of supporters attended court, including Mr Edwards’ parents.
The case will return to court in November.