Court Packed, Media Disappointed – Yang Lanlan Appears by Video, Not in Person

In Sydney, Australia, A young Chinese-Australian woman named Yang Lanlan drove a Rolls-Royce while intoxicated, causing a serious injury. (screenshots)

[People News] On August 16, the trial of Yang Lanlan’s car accident case opened at Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney. The courtroom was crowded with media outlets waiting for her appearance. However, according to independent reporters at the scene, Yang applied for a video hearing and did not appear in person. During the session, Yang said she was not yet ready to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The next court date was set for September 26.

Early on August 16, the Downing Centre Local Court was already bustling, filled with journalists. According to local blogger “Sydney Dad,” the court was “almost bursting” with media. Yet Yang did not appear—she opted to attend remotely by video. The entire hearing lasted only a few minutes, leaving reporters disappointed.

Another commentator, “True Viewpoint” host Zhen Fei, who was also present, confirmed in a livestream that Yang did not appear in person, but instead “showed up” via video link. Zhen Fei interviewed local lawyer Mr. Xu, who explained that Yang told the court she was not ready to enter a plea. The court granted her more time, and the next hearing was scheduled for September 26.

Will Yang have to enter a plea at the next hearing?

Lawyer Xu said not necessarily. Her legal team must first obtain and review the evidence provided by the police, which takes time. Yang could also apply for further delays on various grounds. But in drunk driving cases, Xu noted, there is usually little suspense—the key issue is whether she drank alcohol or not.

Xu further explained that if proven, she was drink-driving, and Yang would most likely plead guilty to seek a lighter sentence. If she has no prior record and pleads guilty, the court would view her as not wasting public resources, which could earn her sentencing leniency.

At about 3:30 a.m. on July 26, Yang Lanlan drove a Rolls-Royce and collided head-on with a Mercedes in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The crash left the 52-year-old driver of radio host Kyle Sandilands critically injured, requiring amputation. Yang herself was not hurt. She was later arrested on charges of dangerous driving, causing injury and refusing a breath test.

(First published by People News)