Doctor's Drunken Joyride Kills Young Woman and Uber Driver

A devastating drunk-driving incident in Perth's western suburbs resulted in the deaths of a young woman and her Uber driver. Obstetrician Rhys Bellinge, 46, embarked on a terrifying joyride on February 15, 2025, reaching speeds of approximately 130km/h in a 50km/h zone before crashing his Jaguar into a rideshare car.

Passenger Elizabeth Pearce, 24, died at the scene due to multiple injuries. Her Uber driver, Mohammed Usman, 25, sustained life-altering injuries, including multiple fractures, and required two months of hospitalization and rehabilitation. Bellinge's blood alcohol reading was 0.183 at the roadside, later rising to 0.222. A bottle of rum was found in his vehicle.

Bellinge pleaded guilty to manslaughter and dangerous driving under the influence of alcohol. Prosecutors described his driving as that of an 'unguided missile' with an almost inevitable outcome of death or injury. His defense cited a mental health crisis, but the judge emphasized the prolonged, deliberate, and callous nature of his rampage, fueled by alcohol and anger.

Justice Amanda Forrester sentenced Bellinge to 10 years and six months behind bars, making him eligible for parole after serving eight years and six months. The court noted the event was prolonged, lasting at least seven minutes, and that Bellinge had a callous disregard for others on the road.