Jury in Teen's Burnout Death Trial Unaware of Driver's Past Incidents

A jury acquitted Bryce James Dridan, 31, of negligently causing the death of Trent DeZoete, 18, who died after Dridan lost control of his modified ute at a burnout event on November 4, 2023. The jury did not hear about Dridan's prior incidents, including crashing a $350,000 Lamborghini and allegations of zip-tying a toddler. The County Court of Victoria found Dridan not guilty of negligently causing death and the alternative charge of dangerous driving causing death after a trial that lasted several weeks. The jury reached its verdict in less than a day.

Dridan's vehicle, a modified 2001 Holden Commodore ute, experienced brake failure on the burnout pad at the Stawell LOO5ENATS event. Despite attempts to slow the vehicle, including pumping the brakes and switching off the engine, the ute accelerated off the pad, bypassing safety zones and entering a crowded food court area. Mr. DeZoete, who was walking with a friend, was struck by the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the trial, it was revealed Dridan had methamphetamine in his system at the time of the incident. A roadside drug test was positive for methylamphetamine, and a subsequent blood sample showed a level of 0.20 mg/L. Dridan admitted to police he had consumed cocaine the previous weekend. Prosecutors argued that the combination of impaired driving, continuing to drive after brake failure, and entering a pedestrian area constituted criminal negligence. They contended that Dridan had options to slow or stop the car on the skid pad.

However, Dridan's defense argued that the incident was caused by a lack of safety features by the event organizers. His lawyer questioned the safety measures in place, noting that the exit of the burnout arena led into a high-traffic area with minimal separation from pedestrians. The defense also disputed that Dridan was significantly affected by methamphetamine on the day of the event, suggesting his behavior prior indicated otherwise.

Further details about Dridan's past emerged following the acquittal. In December 2024, Dridan pleaded guilty in Ballarat Magistrates' Court to failing to control his vehicle, refusing a drug test, and driving without registration plates after crashing the Lamborghini Gallardo into a Ballarat home four months after Mr. DeZoete's death. He was fined $1,500 and disqualified from driving for four years.

Additionally, the jury was unaware of allegations that Dridan had zip-tied a toddler, described as 'distraught,' and filmed it for amusement. Dridan faced charges including producing and distributing child abuse material, false imprisonment, and common law assault. However, in February, a magistrate ruled there was no case to answer, finding Dridan not guilty on all charges.

The jury's verdict sparked backlash from individuals claiming to be witnesses, who disputed the defense's account of the incident and suggested Dridan had alternative options to avoid the food court area. They claimed that other vehicles exited the pad via a different route and that Dridan could have used surrounding barriers or walls to stop his vehicle.