Perth obstetrician Dr. Rhys Bellinge has been denied bail after a fatal car crash that resulted in the death of a 24-year-old woman and critical injuries to the Uber driver. The 45-year-old doctor was allegedly drunk and speeding at 130km/h in a 50 zone when his Jaguar crashed into the Uber on Birdwood Parade in Dalkeith. Dashcam footage from his vehicle reportedly captured him ranting angrily about his wife before the crash, following their recent separation. The prosecution opposed bail, citing evidence of repeated dangerous driving and concerns for his wife. Bellinge’s lawyer argued that he needed medical care for a spinal injury he sustained in the crash and that his wealthy family could provide a $1 million surety for his release.
During the bail hearing, Magistrate Clare Cullen expressed concerns about the seriousness of the offenses, Bellinge’s potential to reoffend, and the risk he posed to the community. She cited evidence of the doctor’s reckless and dangerous behavior when emotionally upset and his aggression towards others. In her decision to deny bail, Magistrate Cullen emphasized the gravity of the charges Bellinge is facing, including manslaughter and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm. The police prosecutor also highlighted the potential for a significant term of imprisonment if Bellinge is convicted, stressing the inevitability of causing harm due to his reckless actions.
The decision to refuse bail left Bellinge visibly upset, with audio from his bedside hearing link capturing his emotional response. The doctor’s family, reputedly one of the richest in Perth, had offered to provide a substantial surety for his release if he could reside in his father’s mansion on house arrest. However, Magistrate Cullen ultimately deemed a grant of bail inappropriate based on the evidence presented. The prosecution’s argument that Bellinge’s behavior demonstrated a pattern of dangerous conduct, coupled with the potential for further offenses, weighed heavily in the decision to keep him in custody pending trial.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Perth community, with many expressing sympathy for the victims and their families. The news of a prominent doctor being involved in such a deadly crash has raised questions about accountability and responsibility, particularly in cases involving high-profile individuals with significant resources. The legal process will now unfold as Bellinge faces the serious charges brought against him, with the potential for a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. The case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of dangerous driving and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives.
As the investigation into the crash continues, authorities will gather more evidence to support the charges against Bellinge. The prosecution will work to build a strong case against the doctor, highlighting the reckless and irresponsible behavior that led to the tragic loss of life and serious injuries. The decision to deny bail underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need to ensure public safety while the case progresses through the legal system. The Perth community will closely follow the developments in this high-profile case, seeking justice for the victims and their families as they navigate the aftermath of this senseless tragedy.
