The family of Constable Anthony Woods is still trying to come to terms with the loss of their loved one, who was tragically killed in the line of duty.
A Sentence That Brings Little Comfort
Reagan Chown, the man responsible for Constable Woods’ death, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, a punishment that brings little comfort to the grieving family.
The incident occurred in June 2023, when Chown, high on meth and driving a stolen car, reversed over Constable Woods in a cul-de-sac in Ascot, Perth.
A Senseless Act of Violence
Chown had been involved in a high-speed car chase through the streets of Perth before the fatal incident, and his actions that day were described as a “serious example of criminal negligence manslaughter” by prosecutor Justin Whalley.
The judge in the case, Justice Joseph McGrath, found that Chown’s claims of losing control of the car after being tasered were unreliable, and that he had “pressed the accelerator prior to tasering”.
A Bright Future Cut Short
Constable Anthony Woods was a dedicated police officer who was passionate about his job and committed to serving his community, his mother Natalie Woods said in a statement to the court.
She described her son as “full of energy and ambition” and said that he was “definitely” going to be someone, whether it was a cricketer or someone who helped people in need.
The Devastating Impact on the Family
The loss of Constable Woods has had a devastating impact on his family, who are still struggling to come to terms with their grief, Natalie Woods said.
She said that every anniversary, birthday, and special moment is now a painful reminder of what they have lost, and that her son’s future was taken away from him in a senseless act of violence.
A Sentence That Will Never Bring Back What Was Lost
Chown’s sentence of 15 years in prison may bring some sense of justice to the family, but it will never bring back what was lost, Natalie Woods said.
Her son’s widow, Emily, and other family members were in court for the sentencing, and they will now have to try to rebuild their lives without the man who was taken from them in such a tragic and senseless way.
The Destructive Power of Drug Addiction
Chown’s lawyer, Paul Bevilacqua, said that his client had come from a “close and loving family” and had completed an apprenticeship and gone into FIFO work before his life took a turn for the worse due to drug addiction.
He said that Chown’s addiction had turned him into someone “that he wasn’t”, and that his future was taken away from him as a result of his actions.
A Message to Those Who Would Do Harm
The prosecutor in the case, Justin Whalley, said that a “clear message” needed to be sent to those who would refuse police instructions or try to evade officers, and that Chown’s sentence should serve as a warning to others.
The case is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by police officers every day, and the importance of respecting and following the law.