Drunk Perth Doctor Jailed After Fatal High-Speed Crash Kills Student
A tragedy that has shaken Perth unfolds as 46-year-old obstetrician Rhys Bellinge has been sentenced to over ten years in prison for a high-speed crash that claimed the life of 24-year-old Elizabeth Pearce. The incident, which occurred in the affluent suburb of Dalkeith, has left a community grappling with shock, grief and questions about accountability on the roads.
Court proceedings revealed a harrowing story of recklessness and impaired judgment. On the night of February 15 last year, Bellinge, intoxicated with a blood alcohol level almost four times the legal limit, drove his Jaguar at speeds exceeding 130 kilometers per hour through suburban streets. Dashcam footage shown in court captured his expletive-laden tirade, aggressive driving and dangerous maneuvers moments before the collision. His vehicle slammed into a small rideshare car, instantly killing Pearce, while leaving the driver, Muhammad Usman, with life-altering injuries.
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Justice Amanda Forrester condemned Bellinge’s behavior, highlighting his “callous disregard” for the lives of others. She described his Jaguar as a “powerful weapon” in his hands, driven by aggression and selfishness rather than necessity. Despite Bellinge’s claims of a mental crisis and medication side effects, the court concluded that his actions were the result of free will and poor judgment, not a lack of control. The tragedy was compounded by prior reckless driving incidents, signaling a pattern of dangerous behavior in the days leading up to the fatal crash.
The human cost is profound. Elizabeth Pearce’s family has spoken of an irreplaceable loss, while Usman continues to endure chronic pain, mental trauma and guilt over the events of that night. The broader community is reminded that road safety is not just about obeying limits—it’s about responsibility, restraint and the understanding that a moment of recklessness can have permanent consequences.
Bellinge will serve 10 years and six months, with eligibility for parole after eight and a half years, though the grief and disruption caused cannot be measured by years alone. His professional future is also severely impacted, with his medical license effectively suspended and prospects in his field uncertain.
This case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating ripple effects of choices made in moments of anger and intoxication. It underscores the need for vigilance, accountability and support for those struggling with personal crises before tragedies occur.
Stay informed and aware as we continue to follow the impact of this case, the ongoing recovery of survivors and the broader discussions around road safety and justice in our communities.
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