A man accused of killing a young trader during a hit-and-run in Sydney’s west was allegedly traveling with a teenage passenger – as the alleged victim’s best friend tells of their heartbreaking final conversation.
Bradley Wilkinson, 39, allegedly cut off 27-year-old Rhyce Harding as the pair drove in separate utes along Jersey Road, Blackett, at about 8.45am on Thursday.
Mr Harding got out of his red car and approached the white vehicle, before Wilkinson allegedly grabbed the 27-year-old by his jumper and then held him next to his car as he dragged him 100 meters down the road.
Harding’s best friend, Stacey Disbray, was on the phone with him at the time of the tragedy.
In his final moments, Ms Disbray said Mr Harding told her he was being chased by another vehicle.
“He said, ‘Wait a minute, he’s just behind me’ and he stopped the car, I heard him stop,” she said 9News.
Bradley Wayne Wilkinson, 39, (pictured) has been charged with manslaughter over an alleged road rage incident in Sydney’s west
Rhyce Harding was the victim of an alleged road rage incident
“He said, ‘Wait a minute, I’ll be back.’
“He never came back.”
Court documents obtained by 9News reveal that police will allege Wilkinson had a teenage boy as a passenger at the time of the incident.
However, Wilkinson told police that Harding caused the incident by grabbing him and that he drove away because he feared for his safety.
Wilkinson is then said to have gone to work for the day before returning home, where he parked his car more than 200 meters away from his home in Windsor, in the city’s north-west.
He allegedly told police he knew something had happened but thought if it was serious, police would find him and approach him.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal Wilkinson is the father of several young children who grew up in Erskine Park, in Sydney’s west.
Mr Harding’s best friend, Stacey Disbray, was on the phone with him at the time of the incident
Wilkinson is said to have ‘deliberately and forcibly’ held Mr Harding against the car as he drove along Jersey Road
Daily Mail Australia understands he lived in Port Macquarie, on NSW’s Mid North Coast, for some time around 2023 before returning to the city.
On his social media pages he is portrayed as a motocross enthusiast who enjoys going to music festivals.
The fatal incident on Thursday morning sparked a police manhunt and a public appeal for information after Wilkinson reportedly fled the scene.
On Friday morning, Wilkinson handed himself in at Mount Druitt Police Station before being charged with several offenses including manslaughter, failing to stop and render assistance after a vehicle collision causing death, and dangerous driving causing death.
Mr Wilkinson was beamed from the Amber Laurel Correctional Center in Sydney’s west to Parramatta Local Court, where he appeared on screen via videolink wearing a black hoodie.
Bradley Wilkinson’s lawyer Javid Faiz leaves Parramatta Local Court on Saturday. Photo: NewsWire/Steve Zemek.
Police asked for information about a white ute. Photo: NSW Police.
He was supported in court by two men, who later left with Mr Wilkinson’s lawyer, Javid Faiz.
Inside the court, Mr Faiz did not apply for bail as the case was adjourned for three weeks.
Mr Faiz asked if Mr Wilkinson could receive his medication while in custody before Mr Wilkinson intervened.
“They gave it to me… The nurse here is looking after me, they’re very professional,” Mr Wilkinson said, clasping his hands together.
In documents tendered to the court, police say Mr Wilkinson is accused of ‘intentionally and forcibly restraining the victim against a moving vehicle’.
Mr Faiz told the court he was waiting to see if prosecutors would go ahead with the manslaughter charge.
Police have also seized a white Toyota Hilux in Mileham Street, Windsor and it will undergo forensic examination.
Earlier, police had asked for information about a white utility company with a metal box and a black awning.
The fatal incident on Jersey Rd, Blackett on Thursday morning led to a police manhunt and a public appeal for information
It is alleged that Mr Harding got out of his car after he was allegedly threatened by the car following him, police said
Police have said they will allege that Mr Harding and Mr Wilkinson spoke before the fatal incident.
It is alleged that Mr Harding got out of his car after he was allegedly threatened by the car following him, police said.
Paramedics desperately tried to save Mr Harding, who was wearing high-vis work clothes, but he died at the scene.
Mr Harding was described as friendly and humble in a social media post by World Gym Marsden Park, of which he was a member.
“Staff and members here at World Gym Marsden Park are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our beloved members, Rhyce Harding,” the post said.
‘Rhyce was a much-loved member of our club who will always be remembered for his kindness, humility and dedication to his training.
“Our condolences go out to Rhyce’s family and loved ones. He will be greatly missed.”
The case will return to court on July 17.