Darwin Man Charged with Manslaughter Over 2024 Fatal Pedestrian Crash

Northern Territory Police have charged Clifford Anthony Drover with manslaughter following a complex investigation into a fatal road incident on Darwin's Tiger Brennan Drive in February 2024. The charge relates to the death of a 36-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle.

Investigators allege that Drover, now 49, was also a pedestrian at the scene when the fatal collision occurred. The driver of the vehicle involved in the incident stopped at the time and subsequently tested positive for drugs. Police had previously arrested another man, then aged 46, at the scene.

The charge against Drover follows extensive work by investigators and recommendations from the Northern Territory Coroner and the Director of Public Prosecutions. Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Richard Musgrave highlighted the "steadfast commitment" of investigators in pursuing the case over several years.

Drover, who is currently remanded in custody in Alice Springs, made a brief first appearance in the Alice Springs Local Court. His lawyer indicated that the defense intends to contest the matter and may seek bail for Drover to reside in Hermannsburg. The case is expected to proceed through a preliminary examination process in Darwin, with a mention scheduled for September 9 and a bail application set for August 19.

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This has been a lengthy and complex investigation, involving multiple police units working across the Northern Territory to locate and arrest the [alleged] offender. Our investigators remained steadfast in their commitment to this matter, and today's arrest reflects the extensive work undertaken throughout the course of the investigation.