A man accused of killing a young tradesman in a hit-and-run road rage attack in Sydney’s west was allegedly travelling with a teenage passenger – as the alleged victim’s best friend opens up about their heartbreaking final conversation.
Bradley Wilkinson, 39, allegedly cut off Rhyce Harding, 27, as the pair each drove in separate utes down Jersey Road, Blackett, at about 8.45am on Thursday.
Mr Harding exited his red car and approached the white vehicle, before Wilkinson allegedly ‘intentionally and forcefully’ grabbed the 27-year-old by his jumper then held him alongside his ute as he dragged him 100 metres down the road.
Mr Harding’s best friend Stacey Disbray was on the phone to him at the time of tragedy.
In his final moments, Ms Disbray said Mr Harding told her he was being tailgated by another vehicle.
‘He said, “hang on, he’s just rear ended me” and he stopped the car, I heard him pullover,’ she told 9News.
Rhyce Harding was the victim of an alleged road rage attack
‘He said, “hang on a second, I’ll be back.”
‘He never came back.’
Court documents obtained by 9News reveal police will allege Wilkinson had a teenage boy as a passenger at the time of the incident.
However, Wilkinson has told police Mr Harding instigated the incident by grabbing him and that he drove off because he was scared for his safety.
Wilkinson then allegedly went to work for the day before returning home, where he parked his vehicle more than 200metres away from his Windsor home, in the city’s north west.
He allegedly told police he knew something had happened, but thought if it was serious, police would find and approach him.
Daily Mail can reveal Wilkinson is a father of several young children who grew up in Erskine Park, in western Sydney.
Daily Mail understands he spent some time living in Port Macquarie, on NSW’s Mid North Coast, around 2023, before relocating back to the city.
His social media pages paint him as a motorcross enthusiast who likes going to music festivals.
The fatal incident on Thursday morning sparked a police manhunt and public appeal for information after Wilkinson allegedly fled the scene.
On Friday morning, Wilkinson handed himself in at Mount Druitt Police Station before he was charged with several offences including manslaughter, failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing death and dangerous driving occasioning death.
Mr Wilkinson was beamed into Parramatta Local Court from Amber Laurel Correctional Centre in western Sydney where he appeared on screen via videolink wearing a black hoodie.
Police appealed for information about a white ute. Picture: NSW Police.
He was supported in court by two men who later exited with Mr Wilkinson’s solicitor Javid Faiz.
Inside the court, Mr Faiz did not make a bail application as the matter was adjourned for three weeks.
Mr Faiz asked if Mr Wilkinson could be provided his medication while in custody before Mr Wilkinson interjected.
‘They gave it to me … The nurse is looking after me here, they’re very professional,’ Mr Wilkinson said, clasping his hands together.
In documents tendered to the court, police say Mr Wilkinson is accused of ‘intentionally and forcefully holding the victim against a moving vehicle’.
Mr Faiz told the court he was waiting to see if prosecutors would proceed with the manslaughter offence.
Police also seized a white Toyota Hilux on Mileham Street, Windsor and it will undergo forensic examination.
Earlier, police had appealed for information about a white utility with a metal tray and black canopy.
The fatal incident on Jersey Rd, Blackett on Thursday morning sparked a police manhunt and public appeal for information
It is alleged that Mr Harding exited his car after he was allegedly threatened by the car following him, police have said
Police have said they will allege that Mr Harding and Mr Wilkinson spoke before the fatal incident.
It is alleged that Mr Harding exited his car after he was allegedly threatened by the car following him, police have said.
Paramedics desperately attempted to save Mr Harding, who was wearing high-visibility workwear, but he died at the scene.
Mr Harding was described as kind and humble, in a social media post by World Gym Marsden Park where he was a member.
‘Staff and members here at World Gym Marsden Park are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of our beloved members, Rhyce Harding,’ the post said.
‘Rhyce was a much loved member of our club, who will always be remembered for his kindness, humbleness and dedication to his training.
‘Our condolences go out to Rhyce’s family and loved ones. He will be sorely missed.’
The matter will return to court on July 17.