A man accused of killing a young shopkeeper in a roadside hit-and-run attack in Sydney’s west was allegedly traveling with a teenage passenger, as the alleged victim’s best friend speaks about their heartbreaking final conversation.
Bradley Wilkinson, 39, allegedly cut off Rhyce Harding, 27, as the pair were driving in separate vehicles along Jersey Road, Blackett, about 8.45am on Thursday.
Harding got out of his red car and approached the white vehicle, before Wilkinson allegedly “intentionally and forcefully” grabbed the 27-year-old by his jumper and then held him next to his ute as he dragged him 100 meters down the road.
Mr Harding’s best friend, Stacey Disbray, was speaking to him on the phone at the time of the tragedy.
In his final moments, Disbray said Harding told him another vehicle was following him closely.
“He said, ‘Wait, he just rear-ended me,’ and he stopped the car, and I heard him do a pullover,” she said. 9News.
Bradley Wayne Wilkinson, 39 (pictured), has been charged with manslaughter over an alleged road rage attack in Sydney’s west.
Rhyce Harding was the victim of an alleged attack of road rage
“He said, ‘Wait a second, I’ll be right 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 told police that Harding instigated the incident by grabbing him and that he left because he feared for his safety.
Wilkinson then allegedly went to work during the day before returning home, where he parked his vehicle more than 200 meters from his home in Windsor, in the city’s northwest.
He allegedly told police he knew something had happened, but thought if it was serious, police would find him and approach him.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal Wilkinson is the father of several young children who grew up in Erskine Park in western Sydney.
Mr Harding’s best friend, Stacey Disbray, was on the phone with him at the time of the incident.
Wilkinson allegedly “intentionally and forcefully” held Mr Harding against the car as he drove along Jersey Road.
Daily Mail Australia understands he spent some time living in Port Macquarie, on the New South Wales mid north coast, around 2023, before returning to the city.
His social media pages describe him as a motocross enthusiast who likes to go to music festivals.
The fatal incident on Thursday morning sparked a police chase and a public appeal for information after Wilkinson allegedly fled the scene.
On Friday morning, Wilkinson handed himself in at Mount Druitt police station before being charged with several offences, including manslaughter, failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact causing death and dangerous driving causing death.
Wilkinson was transported to Parramatta Local Court from Amber Laurel Correctional Center in western Sydney, where he appeared on screen via video link wearing a black hoodie.
Bradley Wilkinson’s lawyer, Javid Faiz, left Parramatta Local Court on Saturday. Image: NewsWire/Steve Zemek.
Police appealed for information about a white ute. Image: New South Wales Police.
He was supported in court by two men who then left with Wilkinson’s lawyer, Javid Faiz.
Inside the court, Faiz did not file a bail application as the matter was adjourned for three weeks.
Mr Faiz asked if Mr Wilkinson could be provided with his medication while in custody before Mr Wilkinson intervened.
“They gave it to me… The nurse is looking after me here, they are very professional,” Mr Wilkinson said, clasping his hands.
In court documents filed, police say Wilkinson is accused of “intentionally and forcefully restraining the victim against a moving vehicle.”
Faiz told the court he was waiting to see if prosecutors would proceed with the charge of manslaughter.
Police also seized a white Toyota Hilux in Mileham Street, Windsor and it will undergo a forensic examination.
Police had previously requested information about a white utility vehicle with a metal tray and black canopy.
The fatal incident on Jersey Rd, Blackett on Thursday morning sparked a police chase and a public appeal for information.
Harding allegedly got out of his car after he was allegedly threatened by the car following him, police said.
Police have said they will allege that Harding and Wilkinson spoke before the fatal incident.
Harding allegedly got out of his car after he was allegedly threatened by the car following him, police said.
Paramedics desperately tried to save Mr Harding, who was wearing high-visibility work clothes, but he died at the scene.
Harding was described as kind and humble in a social media post from World Gym Marsden Park, of which he was a member.
“The staff and members here at World Gym Marsden Park are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our beloved members, Rhyce Harding,” the post read.
‘Rhyce was a much-loved member of our club, who will always be remembered for his kindness, humility and dedication to his training.
‘Our deepest condolences to Rhyce’s family and loved ones. He will be missed.’
The matter will return to court on July 17.