The headstone for Constable John Woods is at the top end of the Old Police paddock, (don’t know who might own it now), which faces Roseberry Street, just off the junction of Dalmorton Street ( Woodenbong, NSW ).
His listed cause of death was Rheumatic Fever at age 29 on 21-2-1893. (The Warwick Argus, Tuesday 28-Feb. 1893)
He was the first Constable appointed to Woodenbong in 1887.
He married Sarah Margaret Fletcher at Killarney, Qld on the 22-Nov. 1892.
His Parents were John & Eliza Woods of ‘ Jacqua ‘, O’allen Ford Rd, Bungonia, NSW.
John & Eliza are buried at Windellama Anglican Cemetery and John has a commemorative plaque installed on his parents headstone.
There is a ‘ discrepancy ‘ with the surname as some family went by Woods and the rest by Wood.
Described as being born in 1862, 5′ 10″ tall, grey eyes and light brown hair with a ‘fresh’ complexion.
A native of N.S.W., was single when he joined the Police and was previously employed as a farmer.
Woodenbong Police Station was in existence by 1888 as recorded in the NSW Legislative Assembly Distribution of Police Force on 31st December 1888.
In 2006 the Woodenbong Police Station was located in the Richmond Local Area Command in the Northern Region. Its address was Unumgar Street, Woodenbong. (1)Endnotes(1) NSW Police Website http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/structure/operations_command/local_area_commands/northern_region/richmond (accessed 30 October 2006).
Inscription: In Loving remembrance of John Woods Died 21 February 1895 aged 30 years A precious one from us is gone. A voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our home Which never can be filled.
Geoffrey Neil McDOWELL
| 10/09/2020
Geoffrey Neil McDOWELL
AKA Fluffy, Fluffy Duck, The Duck, Geoff
Late of ?
Son to former NSWPF Member – Les WHITDALE # ???? who was a DetSgt at Darlinghurst at one stage.
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern Class # 102
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 11314
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Academy on Monday 11 January 1965 ( aged 22 years, 11 months, 29 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 22 February 1965 ( aged 23 years, 1 month, 9 days )
Constable – appointed 22 February 1966
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed 22 February 1974
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 December 1980
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 1 January 1987
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 31 December 1987
Inspector – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Detective Inspector
Stations: ?, Fraud Squad ( 1974 ), Special Crime Squad ( renamed Homicide Squad in 1972)( Det SenCon ), Bureau of Crime Intelligence ( BCI ), Ryde ( Commander )( 1980s – 90s )(17 Division ), Chatswood, Human Resources HR Manager – North Region – Retirement
Service: From 11 January 1965 to3 April 1997 = 32 years, 2 months, 23 days Service
Age at Retirement: 55 years, 2 months, 21 days
Time in Retirement: 23 years, 5 months, 0 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 April 1981 ( Sgt 3/c )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 28 May 1992 ( Insp. )
Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct Medal ( Imperial ) – granted 1 October 1976 ( Det SenCon ) – Apprehension of an armed man.
Born: Tuesday 13 January 1942
Died on: Thursday 3 September 2020
Age: 78 years, 7 months, 21 days
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Wednesday 9 September 2020 @ 12.15pm
Funeral location: North Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Delhi Rd, North Ryde, NSW
FUNERAL RESTRICTED TO 35 in Chapel and 15 outside)
Wake location: North Ryde RSL, 27 – 41 Magdala Rd, North Ryde, NSW
Wake date: Wednesday 9 September 2020 @ 1.30pm
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( September 2020 )
18 April 1977.
GEOFFREY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
NSW Homicide Squad: Geoffrey Neil McDowell – back row, 2nd from right.
the Special Crime Squad which was renamed the Homicide Squad in the 70’s. This is a photo of that squad taken about 1976 . Geoff McDowell – back row, far left. Jenny Gormley ( Public Service ) – only female in photo.
From John Cooke 7 September 2020 – NSW Fallen Police: Homicide Squad reunion at Police HQ in 2016 with Geoff McDowell on left & Wilfred ‘ Bill ” TUNSTALL ( who died shortly after in 2016 ). Both Geoff and Bill received bravery awards following a siege at Granville in 1975 in which Bill received a gunshot wound to his shoulder/arm. Geoff continued to back up Bill despite being severely affected by tear gas. The offender died in the shootout.
Photo – courtesy of John Cooke NSW Fallen Police
23 months old son of Tunstall, Mathew could not resist to join his father despite the strict protocol and National Anthem during the ceremony. On the right side of Tunstall are Detective Sen.Const Aldo Lorenzutta and further Det Sen Const Geoffrey Neil McDowell, awarded with Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct . Queens’ Awards at the Government House today. Detective Senior Constable Wilfred Tunstall awarded with Queens Gallantry Medal. Two-year-old Matthew Tunstall ignored protocol and the national Anthem to run to his father, Detective Senior Constable Wilfred Tunstall who was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal at Government House yesterday, April 18, 1977. (Photo by Antonin Cermak/Fairfax Media via Getty Images).
Queens Awards at the Government House today. Detective Senior Constable Wilfred Tunstall awarded with Queen’s Gallantry Medal. Det Tunstall (middle) with others awarded with Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct for the same action left Det Sen. Const. Aldo Lorenzutta and Det. Sen. Const. Geoffrey Neil McDowell. April 18, 1977. (Photo by Antonin Cermak/Fairfax Media via Getty Images).
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Monday 4 October 1976, page 3
Six NSW policemen get bravery awards
SYDNEY, Sunday. -Six NSW policemen have received awards from the Queen for bravery, the Governor of NSW, Sir Roden Cutler, announced on Friday.
Constable Lindsay Reginald Basile, who disarmed a man who had attacked him with an axe at Leichhardt about 14 months ago, has been awarded the Queen’s commendation for brave conduct.
For their part in a siege of a gunman in a Granville house in May, 1975. Detective-Senior Constable Wilfred Tunstall has been awarded the Gallantry Medal and Detective-Senior Constables Aldo Lorenzutta and Geoffrey Neil McDowell have been commended for brave conduct.
Police shot the gunman dead after he had wounded a woman and Senior Constable Tunstall.
Constable First-Class Udo Starkis, of Parramatta, and Constable Philip Robert Baldwin, of Blacktown, have been recommended for brave conduct for overcoming an armed man in the grounds of the Parramatta Psychiatric Centre in January.
Mrs Nancye Hitchcock ( nee Nancye HOURIGAN ) – believed to have really been melancholy about the loss of her long time husband, John, passed away, peacefully in her sleep, on the morning of 8 September 2020, aged 86 – five days after Johns Funeral.
NSW Police Training College – Penrith Class # 017 – 030
NSW Police Cadet # 0848
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 7414
Rank: Commenced Training as Police Cadet on 13 February 1950 ( aged 16 years & 5 months )
Probationary Constable- appointed Saturday 13 September 1952 ( aged 19 years )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed 13 September 1963
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 10 August 1968
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 30 September 1976
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 23 April 1980
Final Rank = Senior Sergeant
Stations: ?, Western District ( 1963 ), ?, ‘R’ District ( Newcastle area )( 1969 ), ?, Deniliquin ( Det Sgt ), Wollongong Police Station – GDs ( Sgt 1/c )( 1980s ), Pt Kembla ( Sgt 1/c )( OIC ) – Retirement
Service: From 13 February 1950 to24 September 1988 = 38 years, 6 months, 11 days Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 21 August 1989 ( Former Det SenSgt )
Nothing further found on the Australian Honours system
Born: Wednesday 13 September 1933
Died on: Saturday 29 August 2020
Age: 86 years, 11 months, 17 days
Cause: Dementia – passed in his sleep after it progressed very quickly over the last few weeks
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: H. Parsons, Wollongong, NSW 02 4228 9622
Buried at: Both Cremated.
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( August 2020 )
JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
WOLLONGONG DISTRICT POLICE RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL TEAM – 1981 REAR: L – R: ALLAN PIRIE, JOHN HITCHCOCK, KEVIN VERDON, BOB LONGUE, BARRY ODMARK, PAT CARNEY, KEITH CALDWELL, GRAHAM THOMPSETT, TERRY O’BRIEN, TONY CHAPLIN, PETER CARTER, KEN JEFFREY, NEIL PARSONS, PHIL RUSSELL, GAL CLEARY (COACH), DON JONES (TRAINER), RON JACKSON, STEVE FROST (SECRETARY) FRONT: L – R: BOB LEWIS, GRAHAM KING, STEVE BYRNES, DAVE ROUTLEDGE, STEVE TIER
WOLLONGONG DISTRICT POLICE RUBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL TEAM – 1980 REAR: L – R: TED BEAVER (TREASURER), JOHN GUEST, JOHN HITCHCOCK (MANAGER), STEVE BYRNES (SECRETARY), BRIAN WYVER, GRAHAM THOMPSETT, DENNIS CLARKE, PETER SKEENE, MAZ HERMANN, KEVIN SHEPSTONE, JOHN MAY, PHIL RUSSELL, BARRY FOORD, KEVIN GOLDSPINK (COACH), BARRIE KEENAHAN. SEATED: L – R: NEIL PARSONS, PAT DUNN, BOB LEWIS, BOB DALBY, BERNIE DOYLE, JOHN GOOD FRONT: L – R: PAT CARNEY, BOB LONGUE, PAUL JONES, DON JONES (TRAINER), TONY CHAPLIN, BARRY ODMARK, IAN MOORE, BRIAN SMITH, LARRY BARBER, KEN JEFFERY
WOLLONGONG DISTRICT POLICE RUBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL TEAM – 1979 REAR: L – R: SERGEANT JOHN HITCHCOCK (MANAGER), STEVE BYRNES (SECRETARY), MAZ HERMANN, PAT DUNN, BRIAN SMITH, PAT CARNEY, DENNIS CLARKE, IAN MOORE, DON JONES (TRAINER) MIDDLE: L – R: ROD HENDERSON, BOB LEWIS, WAYNE COULEY (CAPTAIN – COACH), KEV SHEPSTONE, LARRY BARBER, WADE CHANDLER, JOHN BERNARDI FRONT: L – R: BOB CANTWELL, DAVE ROUTLEDGE, PHIL RUSSELL, GARY THOMPSON, KEN JEFFREY, BOB DALBY, SERGEANT FRANK GROGAN (CLUB PRESIDENT)
Despite the extremely short notice, I am extremely proud of the members of Lake Illawarra Police for arranging a Police Guard of Honour, for such a great man, at the conclusion of his funeral. Cal.
Service History
Lancelot David HINES
| 10/09/2020
Lancelot David HINES
AKA David
Late of ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern Class # 100
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 11116
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Training Centre on ? pre August 1964?
Probationary Constable- appointed 17 August 1964
Constable – appointed 17 August 1965
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? 1969
Detective – appointed ? ? 1971 Det Constable 1/c ( YES )
Detective Senior Constable – appointed 17 August 1973
Detective Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? 1980
Detective Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 31 December 1987
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( August 2020 )
LANCELOT is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
David was a wonderful neighbour and friend. I remember chuckling the day I collected his mail for him, and realised his name was Lancelot. Rest in peace.
The most gentle godly man I have had the privilege to know. He was always so willing to share his faith and how he became a man who followed God. Praying for peace, comfort and strength from our Heavenly Father for Sue and family.
SYDNEY: Three charges of assaulting policemen against former advertising executive and television personality Mr John Singleton, were dismissed in the Central Court yesterday.
Mr Brown, SM, found that insufficient evidence was offered by police to establish a case.
Mr Singleton, 38, of Darling Point, pleaded not guilty to assaulting Constable Bryan Holborow, of the licensed dealers squad, assaulting him in the execution of his duty, and assaulting Constable Lancelot David Hines, of the licensed dealers squad, in the execution of his duty.
The charges arose from an incident at Kings Cross on March 1.
SYDNEY, Wednesday. — A man charged with illegally possessing a car was charged also with offering a bribe to a detective, Blacktown Court was told today.
Before the court was Mr Albert Jeffrey Woods, 23, of Doonside. He is charged with the bribe offence and illegally possessing a GTR Holden Torana.
Also before the court was Mr Woods’ brother, James, 24, of the same address, who was charged with illegally possessing car grills. Both men are labourers.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Kingsley Weller told the court that “far more serious charges” would be made against the brothers.
The alleged offences took place at Doonside yesterday, Sergeant Weller told Mr A. J. McKeowen, SM.
The alleged bribe had been made to Detective L. D. Hines of Blacktown Police.
Pleas were not taken.
Sergeant Weller said additional investigations were being carried out “in relation to several car matters”.
Both were allowed $300 bail and were remanded to appear at the same court on September 6.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( August 2020 )
JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Mike Stephens Visual Storyteller · March 31, 2019 Posting two group photos taken 40 years apart of the same members. My Class 87A from 29 May, 1961 and our 1st reunion 40 years later 2001 at the Swansea RSL Club Lake Macquarie. Also our class Stud Book entry commencing with Warren Taylor (ex Prosecutor) 9999 and finishing with Brian Warwick 10062 (HWP). I can identify 46 from the class photo if anyone interested. Our class was the first to pass the 9999 registered Nos into the 10,000s. The reunion photo identified as follows: Left to right – back row – Mike Stephens, Rod Fulham, Paul McGowan, John Imeson, Merv Braithwaite, Kevin Mongton, Barry Luckie, Brian Rowley, John Baker, Brian Borthwick, Barry Cooper, John Hayes, Tony Madigan, Bruce Spencer, Barry Lawson, Bernie Lee, Roy Fry (partly obscured by Ian Robb standing at end of middle row), Roy Leabeater (Instructor). Middle row – Ross Goodwin, Brian McIlvenna, Leo Gately, Gordon Doyle, Harvey Juergens, Wally Lark, Helen Clark (later Magnus), Ida Luke, Fred Sewell, Ron Blake, Terry Lester, Tom Powick, Ian Robb (standing). Front row – Trevor Neill, Les Wyatt, Bob Drooger, Warren Taylor, Brian Johnson, Brian Warwick, Les Miller, Bill Dent, Clem Long, Lloyd Taylor, Len DeAudney, Col Bell. We held a 45 year reunion at the same venue 2006. If anyone interested I can post a group photo – let me know. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1501013186882198/permalink/2260065610976948/
Class 087 – 2001
Mike Stephens Visual Storyteller · March 31, 2019 Posting two group photos taken 40 years apart of the same members. My Class 87A from 29 May, 1961 and our 1st reunion 40 years later 2001 at the Swansea RSL Club Lake Macquarie. Also our class Stud Book entry commencing with Warren Taylor (ex Prosecutor) 9999 and finishing with Brian Warwick 10062 (HWP). I can identify 46 from the class photo if anyone interested. Our class was the first to pass the 9999 registered Nos into the 10,000s. The reunion photo identified as follows: Left to right – back row – Mike Stephens, Rod Fulham, Paul McGowan, John Imeson, Merv Braithwaite, Kevin Mongton, Barry Luckie, Brian Rowley, John Baker, Brian Borthwick, Barry Cooper, John Hayes, Tony Madigan, Bruce Spencer, Barry Lawson, Bernie Lee, Roy Fry (partly obscured by Ian Robb standing at end of middle row), Roy Leabeater (Instructor). Middle row – Ross Goodwin, Brian McIlvenna, Leo Gately, Gordon Doyle, Harvey Juergens, Wally Lark, Helen Clark (later Magnus), Ida Luke, Fred Sewell, Ron Blake, Terry Lester, Tom Powick, Ian Robb (standing). Front row – Trevor Neill, Les Wyatt, Bob Drooger, Warren Taylor, Brian Johnson, Brian Warwick, Les Miller, Bill Dent, Clem Long, Lloyd Taylor, Len DeAudney, Col Bell. We held a 45 year reunion at the same venue 2006. If anyone interested I can post a group photo – let me know.
NSW Police ‘Stud Book’
John G. Imeson (Rtd Senior Sgt) passed away peacefully in Wyong Hospital this morning. In recent years, John had suffered numerous ongoing health issues which have now taken him from us.
John had a lengthy service in H.W.P. and Traffic. He was a very respected and well liked man and a great boss and friend.
To his family, friends and work mates, sincere condolences.
Rest in Peace John.
Mark Douglas LAVERS
| 10/09/2020
Mark Douglas LAVERS
AKA ?
Late of Jamberoo, NSW
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 170
NSW Police Uniform # 8148
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 19430
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Academy on 19 January 1981 ( aged 22 years, 8 months & 18 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 6 April 1981 ( aged 22 years, 11 months & 5 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 6 April 1986
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 27 July 1995
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ? ( skipped )
Inspector – appointed ? ? ? ( skipped )
Chief Inspector – appointed 14 September 2003 ( Section 66 ) – appointment confirmed on 10 November 2003
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 50 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: 5 December 2020 ( tentative )
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Our deepest condolences to his wife, Chris Lavers, and family.
FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2013 C/Inspector Ken McDonald presenting a Presentation Board to Retired C/Inspector Mark Lavers at the Send Off with Chris Lavers to the right.
FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2013 C/Inspector Ken McDonald presenting a Presentation Board to Retired C/Inspector Mark Lavers at the Send Off.
FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2013
FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2013 C/Insp Brian Wyver speaking of Retired C/Insp Mark Lavers at the Send Off.
FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2013 Retired C/Insp Mark Lavers at the Send Off.
FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2013 Retired C/Insp Mark Lavers at the Send Off.
Mark LAVERS – Leaving Wollongong Police Station, for the last time, as a Chief Inspector of NSWPF, with his wife.
Mark LAVERS – Officially an Old Bastard with his Government ‘Seniors Card’
Student missing off City Beach in Wollongong
MICHELLE HOCTOR
A massive search-and-rescue operation has been launched after a Saudi Arabian student went missing during a late-night swim at City Beach in Wollongong.The University of Wollongong student was on a night out with friends to celebrate his 25th birthday when he and two others went for a swim at 2am today.Wollongong Police Inspector Mark Lavers said the friends entered the surf just south of the City Beach Function Centre and became caught in a rip.
March: Liberian refugee missing off City Beach Two managed to return to shore, however the 25-year-old was dragged south by the current. “The missing person was hit by a couple of heavy waves,” Insp Lavers said. His friends last saw him 30m offshore, opposite the WIN Entertainment Centre. Last month a 19-year-old Liberian refugee, Patrick Koffa, vanished at the same beach while swimming with friends at night. He was caught in a rip after entering the water about 9pm on March 8. His body was retrieved from the water a week later about 300m from where he was last seen. Today’s search resumed at 7am, although the continued rough conditions have complicated the search and delayed the arrival of the PolAir helicopter. Insp Lavers said a police motorbike would be brought in to scour the beaches while PolAir and the Water Police would search the ocean. “We are hoping the weather will clear because visibility is a bit ordinary because of the swell,” Insp Lavers said. The 25-year-old has been in Australia for six months and lives at the University of Wollongong’s International House. A group of about eight friends were keeping a vigil at the beach this morning.
A POLICEWOMAN was killed and her fiancé and colleague seriously hurt after a head-on collision yesterday – just 24 hours after the couple were engaged.
Wollongong Constable Elise Krejci and her partner Senior Constable Brett Wright were returning from a week-long family holiday with Officer Wright’s three children when the crash occurred at Cataract, south west of Sydney.
Colleagues of the couple were the first emergency workers at the scene after their car slammed into another vehicle in heavy rain about 1.30pm yesterday.
Constable Krejci, 31, died at the roadside, while Senior Constable Wright was released and airlifted to Wollongong Hospital in a serious condition with spinal injuries.
The three children – aged 7, 10 and 13 – escaped with minor injuries.
Grieving colleagues said today the couple had been engaged only two days ago and were due to return to work this morning.
Many of the couple’s workmates were unaware they were engaged until after the accident.
The death of the popular young officer has rocked the Wollongong command, where Constable Krejci’s sister, Anna, also works.
Inspector Mark Lavers said the couple had been on a week-long family holiday and were returning home when the crash occurred.
“They were engaged two days ago,” Insp. Lavers said.
“They got the ring in the safe (here at the police station).
“We will have to give it back to her sister today, I suppose, or her father.”
Insp. Lavers said colleagues were shattered by the death.
“She (Elise) is a lovely girl. She has been with us for three years since she was on probation,” he said.
“Her sister also works here.
“A lot of people had worked with her and a lot of people are upset.”
Insp. Lavers said the couple’s Holden Commodore hit a patch of water on the road and aqua-planed before slamming into the side of on oncoming Ford Fiesta on Picton Rd.
The male driver of the Ford, a 23-year-old Leumeah man, suffered hip, leg and facial injuries and was airlifted to Liverpool Hospital in a serious, but stable condition.
His female passenger was taken to St George Hospital in serious condition with multiple injuries. Insp. Lavers said highway patrol colleagues of the two officers were the first at the scene.
He praised the professionalism of officers, who immediately realised their colleagues were involved.
A police Chaplin and psychologist were counselling officers.
Police from the Southern Region Crash Investigation Unit attended the scene and inquiries into the cause of the collision were continuing.
Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident who has not yet spoken to police to contact Wollongong Police on 4226 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Police are searching for a 10-year-old Bellambi girl who went missing on Saturday from a house in Wollongong. Tia Marie Hammond was last seen playing with her 12-year-old brother in the front garden of a family friend’s house on Corrimal St.At about 8.30am, Tia’s mother looked out the window to check on the children but was told by her son that Tia had ridden off on her pushbike. The mother hoped Tia would return home but after she failed to do so yesterday, she contacted police, said Wollongong police duty officer Inspector Mark Lavers.
Insp Lavers said two young girls said they saw Tia and another woman getting into a taxi on her street – Waley Ave, Bellambi – between 7pm and 8.30pm on Saturday, but he said this sighting was unconfirmed.
“At this stage we are reviewing CCTV footage from the (Crown St) mall,” Insp Lavers said.
“It could have been that she has been caught on CCTV, and we will also check her usual hang-outs, particularly the (Wollongong) youth centre.
“Tia is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, 150cm tall with a solid build and wavy shoulder-length brown hair.
She was last seen wearing a blue adidas jacket with three white stripes down the front, black Nike shorts and black and white slip-on shoes.
Police are concerned for her welfare and urge anyone who has any information on Tia’s whereabouts to contact Wollongong police on 4226 7899 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
A 20-year-old man is due to appear in Wollongong Local Court today charged with a home invasion at Mangerton.
Chief Inspector Mark Lavers from Wollongong police says two men entered a house in Woodlawn Avenue at 5:00pm AEST yesterday armed with a baseball bat and a machete.
“They have entered the premises and demanded money. When no money was forthcoming, the males have left the premises with the victim’s mobile phone,” he said.
“A description of the white van used by the offenders was circulated by police radio. A short time later the pair was stopped by Lake Illawarra police in the vicinity of Primbee bypass.”
They were arrested and charged with the home invasion.
The 20-year-old man from Warilla was refused bail, while a 50-year-old man also from Warilla has been given conditional bail to appear in Court on October 7.
A serial child rapist who went on the run yesterday just hours after being released from jail has been nabbed near a Wollongong beach, south of Sydney, by an off-duty policeman.
Raymond Barry Cornwall breached his strict bail conditions yesterday evening, just half an hour after parole officers left him at his approved accommodation.
The 52-year-old was released from Sydney’s Long Bay jail on appeal after serving a 14-year sentence for four sexual attacks on females aged between 13 and 23, who he held at knifepoint.
He was due to undergo a program for sex offenders in jail for eight months, but the Court of Appeal overturned that Supreme Court ruling yesterday.
An off-duty officer recognised Cornwall this morning while jogging at Stanwell Park Beach, in north Wollongong, and approached him.
He called police, who arrested the sex offender about 8:00am (AEDT).
Under his 26 release conditions, Cornwall had to be supervised by parole officers, inform them of his movements, be at his address between 9:00pm and 6:00am (AEDT), and wear an electronic monitor on his ankle.
But the anklet was not fitted with GPS monitoring, so authorities were unable to find him before he removed it.
He was also ordered to accept psychiatric treatment, including anti-libidinal medication, and avoid public places regularly frequented by children.
Inspector Mark Lavers says Cornwall poses a potential risk to the public due to his behaviour.
“He’d removed his anklet so he’s breached his home detention order so he was therefore wanted by us,” he said.
“He’ll be dealt with by probation and parole, and by investigating detectives from Parramatta”.
Cornwall had been on a series of interim detention orders since his sentence expired, while the New South Wales Government applied to have him kept in jail for another five years.
In allowing his appeal yesterday, the court said the judge failed to make a clear finding that a lighter, five-year supervision order would not provide adequate protection.
The court noted Cornwall had undergone sex offender courses in jail.
But the move was condemned by the New South Wales Opposition, which said the Government had not developed the appropriate criteria for courts to decide if sex offenders deserve extended detention periods.
Cornwall is due to face Wollongong Local Court later today.
NSW Police Commissioner Scipione has congratulated the off-duty officer, whose efforts he says were “outstanding”.
“It just shows that police never are really off-duty,” he said.
Police have recovered seven rare monkeys stolen from a wildlife park south of Sydney on the weekend, but they are still looking for an eighth.
The four cotton top tamarins and four pygmy marmosets were stolen late on Saturday night from the park at Helensburgh.
Chief Inspector Mark Lavers says officers found three tamarins in a cage dumped in parkland in Auburn after seizing a car they believed was used in the theft.
“The monkeys were recovered in a fairly cold and distressed condition,” he said.
“They were returned to Symbio who then took them to the vet and a further four monkeys were located by detectives last night, again in the Auburn area.”
The Park’s owner, John Radnidge says the marmosets could have died had police not acted quickly.
“These animals come from a tropical rainforest climate and they need their heat and specialised diets,” he said.
“They were left in a paddock, they were freezing cold, the detectives were so concerned about their well being that they returned them to us at our Helensburgh premises under police escort.”
The four marmosets had been left at a veterinary clinic.
Police have yet to charge anyone over the theft and have asked for public help to find the remaining tamarin.
Detectives can be contacted via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
Son of Serving NSWPF Chief Inspector David VIDAL# 24342
NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # 332
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 52214
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Academy on ? ? 2017?
Probationary Constable- appointed 8 December 2017 ( aged 26 years & 13 days )
Constable – appointed ? December 2018
Constable 1st Class – appointed 8 December 2019
Final Rank = Constable 1st Class
Stations: Sydney City Police Area Command – Day St ( Pro Active Crime Team 2019 – 2020 )
Service: From? ? 2017? to18 June 2020 = 2 years, 6 months & 12 days Service
Employment prior to NSWPF:
Australian Regular Army – enlisted 2009 – aged 17
Served until 2013
2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Amphibious Light Infantry Unit
Police Awards: No Find On Australian Honours
Born: Wednesday25 November 1991
Died on: Thursday 18 June 2020
Age: 28 years, 6 months, 24 days
Cause: MVA – Rider – Off Duty – Returning home from Duty – Not at Fault
Event location: Schofields Road & Windsor Road, Rouse Hill, NSW
Event date: Thursday 18 June 2020 about 5.45pm
ORGAN DONOR
Funeral date: Monday 29 June 2020 @ 10am
Funeral location: St Mary’s Cathedral, College St, Sydney ( opposite Hyde Park ), NSW
All friends and former colleagues are invited to attend
Future Wake location: ???TBA
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 50 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: ???
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( June 2020 )
AARON is NOT mentioned ( BUT WILL BE ) on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
A motorcyclist who died in a crash at Rouse Hill yesterday has been identified as a serving NSW police officer.
Constable Aaron Vidal, aged 28, was travelling home after completing his duties at Sydney City Police Area Command when he was struck by a utility about 5.45pm (Thursday 18 June 2020).
Constable Vidal attested as part of class ‘332’ on Friday 8 December 2017, after which he commenced duties as a probationary constable at Sydney City. He was confirmed as a constable in December 2018.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has extended his condolences to the Vidal family on behalf of the NSW Police Force.
“My thoughts are with Aaron’s family and fiancée, as well as his current and former colleagues at this difficult time,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Aaron was one of six siblings and worked alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal, at Sydney City.
“Dave has always been incredibly proud of his son following in his footsteps and walking the beat side-by-side with him.
“He spent his entire policing career at Sydney City Police Area Command, where he has been part of the Proactive Crime Team since late last year, targeting crimes that directly impact the community.
“On two occasions he had been formally recognised for good police work by members of the community, which shows that he was held in high regard by not only his peers, but the community he served.
“Prior to joining the police force, Aaron served in the Australian Army, which further demonstrates his commitment to serving and protecting the community,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Constable Vidal’s family has requested privacy at this time.
“To lose a child it is a pain that’s impossible to describe to anyone unless you’ve gone through it yourself,” David told me.
David Vidal is a shattered man.
In June last year his life changed forever.
“To lose a child it is a pain that’s impossible to describe to anyone unless you’ve gone through it yourself,” David told me.
David Vidal and his son Aaron were both in the New South Wales Police Force. (A Current Affair)
The father of six is a Chief Inspector in the New South Wales Police Force.
His son, Aaron, followed in his father’s footsteps.
“To stand by him side-by-side in the uniform of the New South Wales Police was one of the proudest days of my life,” David remembers.
Aaron died when his motorbike collided with another vehicle. (A Current Affair)
After serving his country in the army, Aaron fulfilled his dream – to wear the blue uniform.
“I knew he was going to be an amazing policeman … he had the qualities that you look for in a cop,” David said.
“I fully expected if I was in the police force long enough that he’d end up being my boss – he had the most enormous potential.”
Aaron Vidal and his fiancé Jess. (A Current Affair)
Aaron was riding his motorcycle home after a night shift when he was hit by a car and killed.
“In that split second my life changed forever – my family’s life changed forever,” David told me through his tears.
“It was like a part of me had been torn from me.”
Aaron and his fiancé Jess were due to be married but had to defer because of COVID-19.
Aaron Vidal’s son Etzio was born after Aaron died.
But they started their family.
Etzio was born after Aaron died.
“Not much positive has come out of COVID,” David said.
“But that’s one thing we are thankful for because otherwise we wouldn’t have Aaron’s son … my grandson.
“Etzio is our living part of Aaron that we still have.”
Aaron died when his motorbike collided with a car driven by Tommy Balla.
Balla pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death.
Aaron Vidal died when his motorbike collided with a car driven by Tommy Balla.
Judge Stephen Hanley heard he turned in front of Aaron’s motorbike.
But the court also heard the 28-year-old police officer had allegedly breached road rules by illegally lane filtering.
David has been at Balla’s every court appearance.
“The court process was very hard in a lot of aspects,” he said.
“Obviously hearing about the circumstances as to how your son is killed is difficult to hear, no matter how it happens.”
David Vidal. (A Current Affair)
“We’re not looking for vengeance or revenge, we’re looking for justice.”
Facing 10 years in prison – Balla was sentenced to a two-year Intensive Corrections Order – no jail time.
On Friday the case is back before Judge Hanley to determine if Balla qualifies for home detention.
The Vidal family is determined to make a difference and is now helping establish a Road Trauma Victims Support Group to help others better understand the legal process.
“This is really a dire need … there needs to be much more support out there to help victims,” David said.
“They are already going through massive trauma, but to be further traumatised by the process is terrible, we can’t allow that to happen.
Aaron Vidal. (A Current Affair)
“(As a police officer) I’ve told parents that their child’s never coming home, and I’ve walked away.
“Whilst I felt their pain, I could never really understand their pain and now that I’ve gone through it, I know that nobody can understand that pain unless you’ve gone through it yourself.”
The support group is the brainchild of the Highway Patrol’s Crash Investigation Unit boss, Katie Orr.
“I started to think, how do we support these families,” she told me.
“And how do we help the police support these families (with) the ongoing trauma – I guess the police as well – we’re all human, have families, have children.”
She’s seen proof the support group is empowering families impacted by road trauma.
“We had our first Road Trauma Support Group meeting in March this year and we had about 40 families.”
The Vidal’s know nothing will ease their pain, but they want to ensure others facing the same trauma get the support they need.
They want that to be Aaron’s legacy.
“As hard as it is to do all this and it is hard because I’m still grieving – I do it for Aaron, so that his death is not in vain,” David said.
As David showed me a beautiful photograph of his grandson, I asked him: “what happens if Etzio, one day, says to his grandfather, ‘I want to be a policeman’?”
Over 1,000 people are killed on the road and over 40,000 people admitted to hospital annually in Australia*. The numbers are getting worse, not better. It’s time for change. This is an open letter to the NSW Government, the Australian Federal Government, The Director of Public Prosecutions NSW and the Insurance Council of Australia.
As the voice of families who have experienced road trauma we are seeking change. Too many people die on the roads through the criminal act of another. It is our vision that no more families will ever experience the death of a loved one in this way.
The Road Trauma Support Group NSW Australia petition for the following 7 reforms:
1. New language: We seek a new language for reporting road crime. Firstly, the term ‘accident’, risks making crashes seem inevitable and unavoidable. Most often these are NOT accidents but collisions that could have been avoided. Secondly, call it what it is consistently – road deaths caused by a criminal act of another should be called Vehicular Manslaughter or in extreme cases Vehicular Homicide.
2. Stronger deterrent: Stop being soft on road killers and repeat offenders. When a person is killed by a criminal act of another on the road a recommended sentence of at least 5 years with an increase of the maximum sentence to 25 years consistent with the current maximum penalty for manslaughter. Licences are a privilege not a right. People who cause death on the road or have been proven unfit to drive should lose their license for a minimum of 10 years and then they should have to prove they have not committed any offences and have completed traffic offender courses/Victim impact panels.
3. Reform legislation: Urgent Change is needed to the legislative system to ensure justice is served. Greater emphasis should be made to ensure that the judiciary is NOT to give greater weight to the impact on or welfare of the offender over the victims. The Judiciary must consider in their judgement in detail the impact upon the living victims.
4. Support for victims: Formal recognition that every road death leaves behind many living victims. These victims need to be recognised and supported in their grief and assisted through their trauma. Currently perpetrators of road crime get treated better than victims of road crime. The impacts of their illegal acts not only cause death but also a tidal wave of trauma and destruction through families and our community. The knock on ripple effect is widespread and costly.
5. Overhaul of CTP Insurance system: The current CTP system is ineffective, outdated and cruel for people undergoing a traumatic event. We propose a review of current mechanisms in place to support all victims of road crime.
6. Victim Impact Panels: Mandatory attendance for all DUI and repeat road offenders at Victim Impact Panels. The purpose of the Victim Impact Panel (VIP) program is to help drunk and drugged and repeat driving offenders to recognise and internalise the lasting and long-term effects of dangerous and substance-impaired driving. The objective is to create an empathy and understanding of the tragedy, leave a permanent impression that leads to changes in thinking and behaviour and prevents future offences. The right ripple effect.
7. Education: More needs to be done to prevent and manage road crime. Firstly, this means better educating internal stakeholders such as the Police, DPP and Judiciary regarding managing road crime and road trauma victims. Secondly, making road responsibilities and the impact of road crime a formal part of the education process of our youth, driver’s licence applicants and repeat traffic offenders.
* 1,125 deaths in last 12 months to May 2021, 2.4% up on previous 12 months. Source: Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport Regional Development and Communications. Australian Road Deaths Database.
Dead NSW off-duty police officer an expectant father
A motorcyclist who died in a crash in Sydney’s north-west has been identified as an off-duty police officer who was expecting his first child.
NSW Police constable Aaron Vidal, 28, died on Thursday afternoon after he was struck by a ute in Rouse Hill while travelling home from work.
He leaves behind a pregnant fiancée.
Police alleged in court that 37-year-old Tommy Balla drove the ute through a red light at an intersection.
Balla appeared in Blacktown Local Court on Friday on charges of dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death.
He was granted conditional bail preventing him from driving a motor vehicle and is due to appear before the same court on August 14.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said in a statement Constable Vidal had been recognised within the force for his commitment to protecting the community.
“On two occasions, he had been formally recognised for good police work by members of the community, which shows that he was held in high regard by not only his peers, but the community he served,” Mr Fuller said in the statement on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy said Constable Vidal worked alongside his father David, a duty officer, at the Day Street Police Station in Sydney’s CBD.
Constable Vidal had been confirmed as a constable in December 2018 and was attached to the force’s “proactive crime team“.
“He was a man of service – he was a member of the armed forces before he joined the police force and really, a 28-year-old young man on the journey of life,” Mr Loy said.
“There’s a lot of people around that young lady [Constable Vidal’s fiancée] today, also his father, and he has five other siblings – so it’s a big family.
“Police deal with tragedy and trauma but when we lose a young officer in really such a wasteful way in some respects … it really hits us in the heart.”
Police Minister David Elliott said Constable Vidal‘s passing left a significant mark on the police community.
“Mr Vidal was a dearly valued and loved member of the Sydney City Police Area Command since graduating in 2017, and worked alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal,” Mr Elliott said in a statement.
“Both had previously served in the Australian Army and, as proud veterans, continued to serve the community as members of the NSW Police Force.”
A ute driver accused of running a red light before hitting and killing a young police officer in Sydney’s north-west has been released on bail.
Tommy Balla, 37, was turning onto Schofields Road from Windsor Road in Rouse Hill during evening peak last night when he knocked constable Aaron Vidal off his motorbike.
Paramedics were called but the 28-year-old officer died at the scene.
Tommy Balla, 37, has been charged with negligent driving and dangerous driving occasioning death. (Supplied)
On the beat – Mr Vidal (right) with a colleague ( his father – David ) from the Sydney City Police Area Command. (NSW Police)
Mr Balla wasn’t injured in the crash but is now facing charges of dangerous driving and negligent driving occasioning death.
The father of two told the court he believes the traffic lights were amber, not red, when he made the turn.
Police colleagues have today paid tribute to the slain officer.
Mr Vedal worked at Sydney City Police Area Command alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vedal, since graduating as a police officer in 2017.
Mr Balla, a father to two young children, has been released on bail. (Supplied)
The 37-year-old told police he believes the traffic lights were amber, not red, when he made the turn. (Supplied)
He had been involved with the force’s “proactive crime team”, which investigated criminal activity in the inner city and monitored street protests.
“He was a man of service – he was a member of the armed forces before he joined the police force and really, a 28-year-old young man on the journey of life,” Police Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy said.
Mr Vedal had been planning his wedding with his fiancée.
Mr Vidal pictured with his fiancée. The couple had been planning their upcoming wedding. (NSW Police)
The scene of the crash where Mr Vidal was killed yesterday. A ute driver has now been charged. (9News)
“There’s a lot of people around that young lady (Const. Vidal’s fiancée) today, also his father, and he has five other siblings – so it’s a big family,” Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
“Police deal with tragedy and trauma but when we lose a young officer in really such a wasteful way in some respects … it really hits us in the heart.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller also offered his condolences to Mr Vidal’s family.
“My thoughts are with Aaron’s family and fiancée, as well as his current and former colleagues at this difficult time,” Mr Fuller said in a statement.
“Aaron was one of six siblings and worked alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal, at Sydney City.
Mr Vidal with his fiancée. The family has requested privacy as they grieve. (NSW Police)
Mr Vidal served in the army before joining the NSW Police Force. (NSW Police)
“Dave has always been incredibly proud of his son following in his footsteps and walking the beat side-by-side with him.”
Mr Fuller said Mr Vidal had been formally recognised for good police work by members of the public twice during his short career, which “shows that he was held in high regard by not only his peers, but the community he served”.
Before joining the NSW Police Force, Mr Vidal served in the Australian Army.
Do The Work or Pay Later is the message in almost all things but it doesn’t make sense until it’s to late let’s chat tonight and passively see how we are going in life as we head into the weekend.
Also tonight we shall be giving a minutes silence for the Thin Blue Line of the loss of Aaron Vidal former soldier turned Cop along side his father David like so many soldiers do.
Police lined the streets and crowds stood outside St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney on Monday for the funeral of 28-year-old police officer Constable Aaron Vidal from Bligh Park.
The father-to-be died after his motorbike was involved in a crash at the intersection of Windsor and Schofields roads just before 5.45pm on Thursday, June 18 on his way home from work.
His fiancée Jess Loh told mourners at the funeral that the couple were expecting a baby boy.
Channel 7 News reported that Aaron Vidal was an organ donor and two people will benefit from his gift of life.
The driver of the utility involved in the crash, a 37-year-old man from The Ponds has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, and negligent driving occasioning death.
Constable Vidal, worked at Sydney City Police Area Command alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said: “Dave has always been incredibly proud of his son following in his footsteps and walking the beat sideby – side with him.”
Constable Vidal was part of class ‘332’ and started duties as a probationary constable at the Day Street Police Station in December 2017. He was confirmed as a constable in December 2018.
He joined the Proactive Crime Team at the end of last year, targeting crimes that directly impact the community.
Commissioner Fuller said: “On two occasions he had been formally recognised for good police work by members of the community, which shows that he was held in high regard by not only his peers, but the community he served.”
“Prior to joining the police force, Aaron served in the Australian Army, which further demonstrates his commitment to serving and protecting the community,” he said.
PARRAMATTA, Australia — As a police officer, David Vidal has seen many bodies, but he cannot rid himself of the moment he had to identify his high-achieving son.
“That image of Aaron on the table, lying with his life and soul squeezed out of him, replays in my head again and again,” said Vidal, Chief Inspector, to Parramatta District Court on June 4. “I cannot burn that from my memory.”
Constable Aaron Vidal, an expectant father in his dream career alongside his father in the New South Wales Police Force, was killed on his way home from work in June 2020.
The four-year Army veteran’s motorcycle was hit by a car driven by wannabe rapper Tommy Balla, who had run a red light in an intersection in Sydney’s Hills District.
Josephine Vidal, Jessica Loh and Chief Inspector David Vidal speak to reporters about the death of Constable Aaron Vidal outside Parramatta District Court in Sydney, Friday, June 4, 2021. (AAP Image/Luke Costin)
“I know he did not do it with intention (of killing Aaron),” he said. “But no one on the roads today does not know the potential running a red light could and, in this case, did have.”
Vidal told the court how his son’s death stripped him of his best friend and passion for policing.
Vidal’s mother lost a piece of her soul. His broken-hearted younger sister forfeited her empathy while a younger brother was robbed of his best man at a future wedding.
Jessica Loh, widowed by the crash, said her life of excitement had turned to a daily struggle, as she cares for their baby born after the crash.
She recalled receiving a doctor’s call confirming the gender of her baby minutes after saying goodbye to her husband at a funeral home.
Father-of-two Tommy Balla (centre) leaves Parramatta District Court in Sydney, Friday, June 4, 2021. Balla faced a sentence hearing after pleading guilty to dangerous driving occasioning the death of Aaron Vidal, a police constable on his way from work to his pregnant fiancee at home. (AAP Image/Luke Costin)
Her last message from Vidal came minutes before he died.
“Got out early, babe, jumping on the bike now,” he texted.
But, uncharacteristically, he never showed up, said Loh.
“I called and messaged repeatedly but still no response.”
A check of a traffic website sparked her worst nightmare before she drove to the crash site.
“I kept repeating, ‘Hang in there, babe, I will be there soon,” she said.
While police officers would not tell her if he was OK, she quickly saw the answer for herself; the constable’s body in the wreckage, his bloodied bag on the ground nearby.
“I felt numb, sick, and empty,” she said. “I started thinking I would lose our baby next.”
The “violent and meaningless tragedy” left her envious of those in her mothers’ group who had husbands to go home to, she said.
“I have a beautiful baby boy, and I am very happy to have him in my life,” she said. “But with each exciting milestone, there’s a reminder of what’s missing.”
Balla, 38, who broke down in tears when the court adjourned for lunch, is due to be sentenced later on June 4.
A man is set to be spared jail time for causing a devastating collision that killed a beloved young police officer and father-to-be last year.
Constable Aaron Vidal died when his motorcycle slammed into the ute driven by Tommy Balla, who had run a red light at Rouse Hill in Sydney’s northwest on June 18, 2020.
Constable Vidal, 28, had just finished a shift in the city and was riding home to his pregnant fiancee Jessica Loh when his life was cut tragically short.
Constable Aaron Vidal and Tommy Balla.
Balla, 38, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death and told Constable Vidal’s family during a hearing at Parramatta District Court last month he would never forgive himself.
Facing 10 years in jail, Judge Stephen Hanley on Monday sentenced him to a two-year prison term to be served in the community by way of an intensive corrections order.
But the court heard Balla first needs to pass a home detention application in order to avoid the jail time. If unsuccessful he will serve his sentence behind bars.
The judgment came after Judge Hanley found Constable Vidal had himself breached the road rules by illegally lane filtering just before he hit the side of Balla’s Mitsubishi Triton as it turned across Windsor Road.
Constable Vidal with his father and fellow officer, Chief Inspector David Vidal.
The court heard witnesses reported seeing the motorcycle moving “fast” past several stationary cars stopped at the intersection, travelling at up to 50 to 60km/h.
Judge Hanley said the speed limit for lane filtering – an “inherently dangerous” manoeuvre – was 30km/h and as a police officer Constable Vidal should have known better.
“I’m satisfied the (crash) would not have occurred if the victim was observing the rules … and in that sense contributed to the collision,” he said.
The court heard the young cop, however, was faced with a green light and was entitled to believe no vehicle would be illegally travelling across the intersection. The speed limit on Windsor Road is 80km/h.
Tommy Balla was on a call using his cars wireless Bluetooth system when he ran a red light and killed a young police officer. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker
Balla proceeded to turn across the “very busy” intersection at peak hour onto Schofields Road two seconds after the turning arrow had turned red, the court heard.
He claimed not to have noticed the red lights and said in his police interview he believed it was still amber.
At the time the father-of-two was speaking on the phone via Bluetooth and had his 21-month-old child in the front passenger seat.
Judge Hanley said Constable Vidal’s “tragic and unnecessary death … occurred as a result of (Balla’s) inattentiveness”.
He accepted Balla was “sincerely and profoundly” remorseful and had been living “in his own prison” due to serious mental health issues and public humiliation from media reporting.
“I accept he has excellent prospects of rehabilitation and I would be very surprised if he reoffended,” he said.
There was no evidence Balla was affected by drugs or alcohol, and he had a good driving record, the court heard.
Judge Hanley said the crash occurred in a “split second” and found neither Balla nor Constable Vidal would have seen each other coming.
Chief Inspector David Vidal and partner of Aaron Vidal, Jessica Loh, arrive at court on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker
Constable Vidal had followed his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal, into the NSW Police force in 2017 after previously serving in the Australian Army.
The father and son worked together at Day Street police station in the CBD at the time of Constable Vidal’s death.
At the time he was excitedly expecting the birth of his first child, a boy named Etzio, and was engaged to be married to his soulmate Ms Loh.
Judge Hanley said Constable Vidal’s family had suffered “immeasurable pain” from the loss of a “larger than life” young man who brightened every life he touched.
He said Balla’s family had also become “innocent victims” in the fallout from the crash, saying there were “no winners” from the tragic incident.
Balla has been granted bail as he awaits the outcome of his home detention assessment.
Aaron Vidals fiancee Jessica Loh and father Chief Inspector David Vidal embrace at the constables funeral at St Mary’s Cathedral. Picture: Rohan Kelly
‘Aaron was my hero’: Family mourns police officer killed in crash as motorist assessed for home detention
The family of a police officer who was killed when a motorist ran a red light and hit the father-to-be say they will feel the loss of their son, husband and friend for the rest of their lives.
It’s been just over a year since Constable Aaron Vidal, 28, suffered fatal injuries in a crash with a Mitsubishi Triton ute at the intersection of Windsor and Schofields roads in Rouse Hill. Tradesman Tommy Balla, 38, had run a red light. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death.
Chief Inspector David Vidal and his sons fiancée Jessica Loh outside the court on Monday. Credit: Nick Moir
On Monday, Parramatta District Court heard Balla would be assessed to serve two years’ imprisonment in home detention, with Judge Stephen Hanley describing him as profoundly remorseful and living “in his own prison”.
Balla had made a “split-second decision” to proceed into the intersection, which was a “misjudgement”, Judge Hanley said.
“If he’s not suitable for a home detention order, he’ll have to serve a term of imprisonment of two years,” he said.
Outside court, Chief Inspector David Vidal, who held a photo of his son, linked arms with Constable Vidal’s fiancee, Jessica Loh, as the pair told reporters, through tears, that they continued to feel the loss of him every day.
“We’re heartbroken and devastated as we were a year ago when we lost Aaron,” Chief Inspector Vidal said. “And we will continue to [feel this way] for the rest of our lives. Aaron was my hero.
“His parents are heartbroken, his siblings are heartbroken, his fiancee is heartbroken, his friends and his colleagues are heartbroken. Probably worst of all, he leaves behind a son he will never know.”
Chief Inspector Vidal said his son had dedicated his short life to protecting others and serving his country: first in the Australian Army and then in the NSW Police Force, where they worked alongside each other at Sydney City police area command.
He added that, while nothing could bring his son back, more needed to be done to support victims of road trauma. He called on the NSW government and community to introduce better education programs, judicial reform to increase prison sentences for offenders, and increased support for the loved ones of victims of road trauma.
Ms Loh said the couple’s son had got her through the last year, but she wished Constable Vidal had been alive to see him.
Chief Inspector Vidal added they would do everything they could to ensure Constable Vidal’s son knew what “an incredible human being Aaron was”.
Ms Loh told Balla’s sentence hearing last month she had been waiting for her partner to arrive home but checked a traffic website and raced to the crash site, where he had died.
After farewelling her partner in the funeral home, she received a call confirming the gender of their baby and went back inside to hold his hand and tell him they would be having a boy.
Balla said he had learnt a “very cruel life lesson … that things can change rapidly for the worst” and his actions are a “haunting reality”.
“Knowing Mr Vidal will never experience the joy of becoming a father hurts me the most,” he said, adding that Ms Loh had given birth to “a baby boy he will never get to meet because of me”.
“I do not ask or expect forgiveness … as I will never forgive myself.”
Judge Hanley on Monday said the statements given had been a “deeply moving and emotional experience” and no one present was unaffected by the “substantial loss”, which for Constable Vidal’s family is “immeasurable and everlasting”.
The judge said after watching dashcam footage of the crash, the right-hand turn traffic light from Windsor Road into Schofields Road had turned from amber to red, and was red for approximately two seconds before Balla crossed the solid white line and entered the intersection. Constable Vidal entered from the other direction on a green light and collided with the side of the ute as it turned.
Judge Hanley said, based on witness accounts and the footage, the victim was attempting to get in front of a stationary vehicle on his motorcycle and “most likely lane filtering in a speed and manner in breach of the road rules”.
But despite his manner of driving, the off-duty police officer was “entitled to believe there would be no vehicle illegally traversing” across Windsor Road.
The judge said the “tragic and unnecessary death” occurred as a result of Balla’s inattentiveness. However, he was satisfied he did not deliberately or intentionally ignore the red light warnings.
He was further satisfied the collision would not have occurred if the victim was observing the specific road rules around lane filtering, at a speed of 30km/h or less, but reiterated Balla caused the fatal crash by illegally crossing the intersection in circumstances dangerous to other road users.
The judge believed Balla was profoundly remorseful, to a level rarely seen in his more than four-decade career in law, and was satisfied he had excellent prospects for rehabilitation.
“I would be surprised if he ever reoffended,” the judge said, adding that Balla “will remain in his own prison … unless he can find a way out”.
Judge Hanley hoped all of those affected “will not be anchored to this for the rest of their lives”.
The judge convicted Balla, who remains on bail, and ordered a home detention assessment, with the intention of imposing a two-year intensive correction order to commence when the part-heard sentence returns to court in August.
Back Row, l to r: Con 1/c Roy Dykes, Sgt Garnet Brickell, Cadets Bill Morey, Noel Carroll, Darrell Griffiths, Alf Peate, Gary Jennings, Sgt Jack Hyslop, Con 1/c Brian Andrews Front row: Cadets John Albury, Jim Dennis, Barry Filewood, George Radzievic, Graham Wheatley, Geoff Chester.
1995 with Alf & I ( Susie Thompson ) at an Award Ceremony after winning the 1994 Australian Heads of Government National Violence Prevention Award for NSWPS. ( I’m hunting where I have higher resolution ). Front L to R Assist Comm Alf Peate, Sue Thompson, Luke Preston Rear: Bron Steele, Chief Supt (?) Lola Scott.
ALF is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
