Prosecutor says ute driver was grossly negligent driving into crowds
Bryce Dridan, 29, drove his ute with no working brakes into crowds at a burnout event, killing teenager Trent DeZoete.
A prosecution barrister told a jury that Bryce Dridan was grossly negligent. Bridan drove into a public area at a burnout event with no working brakes.
Trent DeZoete, 18, was killed by the ute on November 4, 2023, at Stawell. The Crown said Dridan drove faster than the event's 5kmh speed limit.
He left the burnout arena into crowds. The prosecutor argued Dridan should have stayed inside the arena.
His vehicle could have been towed to safety. The Crown contends Dridan had drugs in his system.
He was overconfident. The defence has called the death a tragic accident rather than criminal negligence.
- Bryce Dridan, 29; Trent DeZoete, 18
- Driver and victim
- November 4, 2023
- Date of death
- Stawell burnout event (LOO5ENATS)
- Location
- 5kmh
- Event speed limit
Why it mattersThe trial will define how courts treat negligence when spectators and drivers mix in high-risk spaces at public events.
AustraliaA conviction could change how burnout events and similar public motorsport gatherings are managed and supervised in Australia.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 23 h ago
