Overview
- Rhys Henry Stone Bellinge was sentenced in the WA Supreme Court to 10 years and six months for manslaughter and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, with parole eligibility after eight and a half years.
- Dashcam from his Jaguar captured abusive rants and speeds exceeding 130 km/h before the impact, with the collision occurring at about 116 km/h in a 50 km/h zone.
- Bellinge recorded a roadside blood‑alcohol reading of 0.183 and a later blood sample up to 0.222, and police found an open bottle of rum in his car.
- Elizabeth Pearce, 24, died from multiple injuries, and rideshare driver Muhammad Usman suffered catastrophic fractures, spent about two months in hospital, and now lives with lasting pain.
- The court noted earlier dangerous driving days before the crash and a revoked medical practising certificate, and reactions split after sentencing with WA Premier Roger Cook calling it severe and Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas saying it felt light.