Tyrell Edwards accused of Buxton smash that killed Picton High students has bail conditions eased
Teen accused of killing five high school students in horror ute smash has bail conditions softened after his parents felt they were ‘too hard’ to comply
- Tyrell Edwards accused of killing five students
- Bail conditions were relaxed to help his parents
Bail conditions have been eased to help Tyrell Edwards’ parents accused of speeding a ute into two trees, killing five students.
Bail demands for a teenage driver accused of killing five high school students in a high-speed car crash have been eased after his parents felt they were too difficult to meet.
Tyrell Edwards, 19, was behind the wheel of a silver Nissan Navara that crashed into two trees southwest of Sydney last September, killing five Picton High School students aged 14 to 16 who were vehicle were crammed.
He had previously been forced to make daily visits to a police station 45 kilometers from his home in Bargo under bail conditions, which meant he was only allowed out if accompanied by his parents.
A magistrate changed those conditions on Friday after learning the daily commute was too strenuous because his parents were caring for six other children and his mother Renee Edwards had recently taken a part-time night job as a carer.
Tyrell Edwards, 19, was behind the wheel of a silver Nissan Navara that crashed into two trees southwest of Sydney last September, killing five Picton High School students aged between 14 and 16 who were in the vehicle were stuffed
Magistrate David Degnan noted that Edwards had met strict requirements, including being “virtually under house arrest” since he was released on bail by the NSW High Court last October.
“After this long period of time, I am convinced that it is reasonable to reduce the obligation to report daily to three days a week,” he told the Picton Local Court.
Other bail conditions that prevent the teen from operating a motor vehicle, drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs or coming within 500 meters of a port or airport in the country remain in effect.
His father Henry Edwards has also posted a $100,000 bond to be forfeited if his son fails to appear in court.
Edwards appeared in court in person on Friday and entered and exited the building surrounded by family members who hid his face with umbrellas.
Prosecutors have officially filed higher charges of aggravated driving resulting in death for driving more than 45 km/h above the speed limit. This improved cost was highlighted earlier in February.
When he was first arrested on September 7, a day after the Buxton crash, he faced less serious charges of dangerous driving resulting in death.
The site of the horror attack in Buxton in Sydney’s southwest in September 2022
Flowers placed at the scene of the fatal burglary shortly after it occurred in September 2022
Degnan also hosted a case conference between prosecutors and Edwards’ attorneys to finalize negotiations and possible pleas before the case goes to court on June 30.
If Edwards were to plead guilty to any of the charges, it would be best to do so as soon as possible, Mr Degnan said.
“If you plead guilty, you’re entitled to a bigger discount than if you waited to get to court,” he told Edwards.
Lily Van De Putte and Gabby McLennan, both 14, Summer Williams and Tyrese Bechard, both 15, and Antonio Desisto, 16, all died in the crash.
Edwards suffered minor injuries.
The teen has no criminal record, but has two speeding tickets and had his provisional driver’s license suspended in 2022 for the accident.