Dec 2000 Volume 81 Number 12 "serving the protectors"

Impressed with web site

Hello Webmaster and Andy

I have been visiting our site many times over the last three years for various reasons. Normally I just pop in and check out the journals and other info as I am doing some surfing.

Tonight I had to get some info about my tax claim and was aware that PASA puts out a tax guide for members around June each year. I misplaced mine (amongst my study notes no doubt) and needed one so I decided to check out the PASA site because I remember seeing it there before. Bingo! I found it with ease. I was impressed by the fact that it was exactly the same document but in electronic form and by the fact that it had a direct link to the ATO site relating to police. Well done.

Regards

Jeff Simpson
Senior Constable 3369/5
Parks Patrols

Brought to tears

Dear Mr Dunn

I have just read your compelling story of little Amy Reynolds (Will I Live, Mum? - Police Journal, October 2000), I have to admit that it brought me to tears.

Could you please do me a favour and pass on my best wishes to Dianne and Chris Reynolds. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their family. Please also express heartfelt congratulations to little Amy for her courage and determination and to “keep up the good work”. As I was reading their story I noticed that today (October 18) is a very special day for Amy, it being her birthday! So please a very happy birthday to her from someone who cares.

Thank you

Yvonne Bailey

Devastated by verdict

The Editor

Firstly, let me say it is a pleasure to read the positive stories presented each month in the written by Brett Williams. He has a unique style which makes all of his stories captivating and interesting. His story (A Horror Movie Come to Life) in last month’s journal in respect to Richard Norris and Daryl Phillips from Whyalla was one great story.

However, like a lot of police officers, I was devastated at the end of that story with the result of the court outcome that Vivas received. I feel this should have been expanded further to include what I know everyone that has read the story is asking.

Did Vivas plead guilty to two counts of attempt murder and was subsequently found guilty of two counts of wounding with intent by a judge or jury, or did he plead not guilty to the attempt murder charges but was willing to plead to a lesser charge after a deal was done with the DPP? I hope not.

In my opinion this is one blatant case of attempt murder, especially on the baby. Surely someone who cuts a four-month-old baby’s throat and then sets the place on fire only has one intent in his mind - MURDER.

I will be interested to find out the circumstances surrounding how the guilty verdict on the lesser charge was obtained.

And last but never least, well done to Richard and Daryl. They have a lot to be very proud of.

Ian Lockwood

Response

Director of Public Prosecutions, Paul Rofe, QC, has advised the Police Journal that his office accepted the plea of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm after it concluded the prosecution could not prove intent to kill.

Editor

Andy Dunn

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