Sydney Man Sentenced for Tragic Road Rage Death
A 40-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for killing a young tradesman during a road rage confrontation in Sydney's west. Bradley Wilkinson appeared at the Sydney Downing Centre on Monday, where he received a non-parole period of 12 years after previously pleading guilty to manslaughter in May.
The Fatal Confrontation on Jersey Road
The court heard how Wilkinson admitted to arguing with 27-year-old Rhyce Harding before striking him with his utility vehicle on Jersey Road in Blackett in June last year. CCTV footage revealed that Wilkinson had cut off Harding after exiting a roundabout and prevented him from merging lanes. The confrontation escalated when Harding stepped out of his vehicle to approach Wilkinson's ute moments before being hit.
Tragically, Wilkinson dragged the young tradie approximately 100 metres before leaving the scene. He subsequently turned himself in to authorities the following day.
A Family's Heartbreak and a Community's Loss
During emotional sentencing hearings, Rhyce Harding's family brought his ashes into the courtroom, where they sat beside his four family members in the witness box. His mother, Stephanie Grech, directly addressed Wilkinson in October, stating: "Rhyce would want me to forgive you, but I can't and I don't know that I ever will."
The public gallery was filled with Harding's loved ones wearing matching T-shirts featuring a design of his tattoo in his memory. His father, John Harding, poignantly told the court: "As a parent, you don't ever think you're going to organise your own child's funeral. Rhyce was the glue that held our mismatched family together."
Harding was remembered as an avid kickboxer known for his compassion and generosity. His gym, World Gym Marsden Park, paid tribute to him as "a much-loved member of our club, who will always be remembered for his kindness, humbleness and dedication to his training."
During sentencing, Judge Conlon stated he was satisfied Wilkinson had "used his vehicle as a weapon" during the incident. Wilkinson will become eligible for parole in June 2036.
