Police Sergeant Found Guilty in Death of Indigenous Teenager Jai Wright
A police sergeant has been found guilty of causing the death of 16-year-old Indigenous Australian Jai Wright, following a pursuit in New South Wales.The verdict, delivered today, marks a significant moment in ongoing scrutiny of police conduct and its impact on First Nations communities.
The case centers on a high-speed chase that occurred in February 2023, during wich Wright, a passenger in a stolen vehicle, was ejected and fatally injured. The sergeant,whose name has not been widely released,faces sentencing on April 17th. The outcome is expected to fuel calls for systemic change within Australian policing and a re-evaluation of pursuit policies, particularly concerning young Indigenous people.
According to court proceedings, the sergeant initiated a pursuit after identifying the vehicle as stolen. The chase escalated, reaching speeds exceeding 100km/h, before Wright was thrown from the car.the prosecution argued the sergeant’s actions were negligent and directly contributed to Wright’s death. The defense maintained the sergeant acted in accordance with police protocol.
Outside the court, Jai Wright’s father, Lachlan Wright, expressed hope that the verdict would serve as a catalyst for improved relations between police and First Nations people. “If things can change in the future, in regards to relationships between Aboriginal people in this country and the police force, maybe this won’t happen again,” he said.
The case has drawn attention to the disproportionate impact of policing on Indigenous Australians, who are considerably overrepresented in both arrests and deaths in custody. Advocates have long called for greater accountability and cultural sensitivity within police forces.
support is available for Indigenous Australians impacted by this news: 13YARN on 13 92 76, Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
