A New Chapter for Matt Wright and His Family
Just hours before celebrity crocodile wrangler Matt Wright was set to walk free from prison, his wife Kaia gave birth to their third child – a moment that he sadly missed. The star of the Netflix hit reality show Outback Wrangler shared the news on social media, expressing both relief and disappointment.
“Finally home with my family after one hell of a fight,” Wright posted. “Didn’t quite make the birth of our beautiful boy Sterling but Kaia did an incredible job.”
Serving His Sentence
Despite the joy of welcoming their new son, Matt and Kaia are still reeling from the fact that Wright was not granted an early release to witness the birth. The baby, named Sterling, was born on Mother’s Day, adding to the bittersweet nature of the occasion.
Just days before the birth, Wright applied for a seven-day early release, which was denied by the office of the NT Corrections Commissioner, Matthew Varley. In his response, Varley acknowledged the compassionate grounds of the request but stated that he would not change his decision.
“I acknowledge the compassionate grounds that your client has presented in seeking early release from his sentence,” Varley wrote. “However, I do not intend to alter my decision. Mr Wright will be required to serve the full sentence term imposed by the court, which expires on 11 May 2026.”
It is also reported that Kaia turned down an offer to have Wright escorted by a corrections officer to the hospital for the birth. According to a prison source speaking to News.com.au, she found the idea unacceptable at such a vulnerable time.
“She thought the offer was ridiculous at a woman’s most vulnerable moment and didn’t like the thought of unwanted media attention around Matt in his prison uniform, escorted by prison guards into a very public hospital whilst trying to give birth in privacy.”
Continuing the Appeal
In December last year, Wright was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended after five months, for attempting to interfere with an investigation into a helicopter crash that killed his best friend, Chris “Willow” Wilson, in February 2022.
Although Wright was not found responsible for the crash, he was convicted of misleading police about how much fuel he believed the aircraft had. He also asked the pilot, Sebastian Robinson, to alter helicopter records after the crash.
The crash occurred while Wilson and Robinson were collecting crocodile eggs in remote Arnhem Land, but the cause of the accident remains unclear. A separate report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which was not included in the NT Supreme Court trial, suggested the aircraft likely ran out of fuel.
Now that he is free from prison, Wright is subject to a two-year good behaviour bond. However, he continues to appeal the convictions.
“I’ve done my time, I’m continuing with my appeal and will keep fighting to bring to light the injustice that’s occurred,” Wright said shortly after leaving Darwin Correctional Centre.
