‘You mean nothing to me’: Dashcam footage captures doctor’s rant before fatal Dalkeith crash
Sydney Morning Herald
by Rebecca PeppiattFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A Perth doctor, Rhys Bellinge, has been sentenced after a devastating crash that claimed the life of Elizabeth Pearce and left another man severely injured. Dashcam footage revealed Bellinge’s escalating anger as he drove at dangerous speeds through Perth’s western suburbs, reaching over 130km/h before colliding with an Uber carrying Pearce. The footage showed Bellinge ranting obscenely at his wife and other drivers, including a chilling statement: “You mean nothing to me.” Following the crash, which occurred in February 2025, Bellinge pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, reckless driving, causing bodily harm, and manslaughter. He was sentenced in WA Supreme Court, where emotional family members and witnesses attended the proceedings.
The incident unfolded after Bellinge, a respected obstetrician struggling with a separation from his wife, had consumed alcohol and appeared to be highly agitated. The dashcam footage captured his erratic behavior, including speeding through intersections and narrowly avoiding collisions while he screamed insults at other drivers. Bellinge’s lawyer explained that he was grappling with mental health issues, including depression and suicidal thoughts, which were exacerbated by prescribed medications and his decision to self-medicate with alcohol. His blood alcohol level was nearly four times the legal limit at the time of the crash.
The crash occurred on Birdwood Parade in Dalkeith, where the speed limit is 50km/h, but Bellinge was traveling at over 138km/h just seconds before impact. Pearce died instantly, while Uber driver Mohammed Usman suffered catastrophic injuries and required extensive hospitalization. Bellinge expressed remorse after the crash, telling police he wasn’t as angry as it appeared but was overwhelmed by emotions stemming from his separation and mental health struggles.
This case highlights the dangerous intersection of alcohol, road rage, and untreated mental health issues behind the wheel. It raises important questions about the role of medication in exacerbating risky behaviors and underscores the need for greater awareness of mental health support for professionals facing personal and professional crises. The outcome serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and the importance of addressing underlying emotional and psychological challenges to prevent such tragedies.
Verticals
worldaustralia
Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/24/2026