Rhys Bellinge’s $1 Million Bail Bid in Dalkeith Crash Case Over Death of Elizabeth Pearce – February 19, 2025

Incident Overview
Prominent obstetrician Rhys Bellinge, 45, is at the center of a legal battle over bail following his involvement in a fatal crash on Birdwood Parade in Dalkeith, Perth. The crash, which occurred on Saturday night, February 15, 2025 , claimed the life of 24-year-old Elizabeth Pearce and left a 25-year-old Uber driver with serious injuries. Bellinge, who is accused of being nearly four times over the legal alcohol limit and driving at 130 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, has been charged with manslaughter and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm. His lawyer has made a case for house arrest, offering a $1 million surety for bail, but a magistrate has delayed her final decision to review additional dashcam footage allegedly showing erratic driving and angry rants by Bellinge prior to the crash.

Location and Time
The crash occurred on Birdwood Parade in Dalkeith, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. The incident took place at approximately 10:15 pm on Saturday, February 15, 2025 , in a residential area where speed limits are strictly enforced.

Vehicles Involved
The crash involved two vehicles:

• A blue Jaguar driven by Rhys Bellinge, who is accused of being heavily intoxicated and speeding.
• A Honda Jazz hatchback being operated as an Uber vehicle, carrying Elizabeth Pearce as a passenger.

The impact of the collision was severe, leaving both vehicles significantly damaged. The Uber driver and his passenger were trapped in the wreckage, with Pearce succumbing to her injuries at the scene.

Crash Description
Police allege that Rhys Bellinge was driving recklessly at 130 km/h—more than double the speed limit—and was nearly four times over the legal blood alcohol limit when his Jaguar collided head-on with the Honda Jazz. The force of the crash caused the Honda to spin off the road, fatally injuring Pearce, who was seated in the passenger seat.

The Uber driver, a 25-year-old man, sustained multiple broken bones, including two fractured femurs and a broken arm, and faces a long recovery ahead. Bellinge, who suffered a serious spinal fracture, remains hospitalized and immobile.

Emergency services worked tirelessly to stabilize the injured and clear the scene. Firefighters used specialized tools to free the trapped Uber driver, while paramedics attempted to save Pearce’s life. Despite their efforts, she tragically died at the scene.

Injuries/Fatalities

• Elizabeth Pearce, 24, tragically died at the scene despite efforts from paramedics and bystanders who administered CPR.
• The 25-year-old Uber driver sustained serious injuries, including two broken femurs and a broken arm, and remains hospitalized.
• Rhys Bellinge suffered a serious spinal fracture and is currently immobilized in a hospital bed.

No other individuals were involved in the crash.

Legal Proceedings and Bail Application
Bellinge’s lawyer has made a case for house arrest, offering a $1 million cash surety for bail. He proposed that Bellinge remain under house arrest at his father’s western suburbs mansion, owned by businessman and IVF pioneer Bruce Bellinge. However, a magistrate delayed her final decision to review additional dashcam footage allegedly showing Bellinge driving erratically, speeding, and making angry rants about his wife in the lead-up to the crash.

Bellinge, who separated from his wife five weeks ago, has been living with his father since the separation. He will remain hospitalized while he faces a third bedside hearing on Wednesday.

Community Impact
The tragic death of Elizabeth Pearce has deeply affected the Dalkeith community, with residents expressing their condolences to her family. Friends have described Pearce as a kind, funny, and ambitious young woman with career goals in marine mining.

“She was always just so nice and would always check in on you,” friend Tara Rogers told 7NEWS. “It’s just so sad and just a big loss.”

The crash site has become a makeshift memorial, with flowers, candles, and heartfelt messages left by friends, family, and even strangers touched by the tragedy.

The incident has reignited discussions about road safety, particularly regarding drink-driving and speeding. Concerns have been raised about the dangers posed by reckless driving behaviors, especially on suburban streets like Birdwood Parade. Community members are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, police allege that the following factors contributed to the crash:

• Excessive speed (130 km/h in a 50 km/h zone).
• Driving under the influence of alcohol (nearly four times over the legal limit).
• Potential driver distraction or emotional distress, as indicated by alleged angry rants captured on dashcam footage.
• Road conditions and visibility at the time of the crash.