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Aaron David VIDAL

Aaron David VIDAL

AKA  AZZA 

Late of  ?

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

 

StationsSydney City Police Area Command – Day St ( Pro Active Crime Team 2019 – 2020 )

 

Service:  From ? ? 2017?   to   18 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:  Wednesday  25 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 dateMonday  29 June 2020 @ 10am

Funeral locationSt 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.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal


May they forever Rest In Peace

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AustralianPolice.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/NSWFallenPolice/

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Australian Police YouTube Channel


 

Aaron VIDAL

 

NSW Police Force

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.

 


 

https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair

 

Police officer’s family tragedy helps pave way for trauma support group

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 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)
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)
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 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.
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.
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)
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)
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’?”

“I’d be really proud,” David replied.

“I’m sure Aaron would be too.”

For more information about the Road Trauma Support Group visit: https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-victims-of-road-trauma?source_location=topic_page

 

 

NSW Police Force Chief Inspector David Vidal’s tragedy after son’s death helps establish Road Trauma Victims Support Group

 

 

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.

Petition · Justice for victims of road trauma · Change.org

 


 

 

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.”

Dead NSW off-duty police officer an expectant father


 

Ute driver bailed over crash that killed young NSW police officer

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)
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)
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)
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)
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 fiancee. The couple had been planning their upcoming wedding. (NSW Police)
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)
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 fiancee. The family has requested privacy as they grieve. (NSW Police)
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)
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.

19 June 2020  at 6:51 PM
Police officer Aaron Vidal killed in Rouse Hill crash

Rouse Hill: Police, in their own words, are hurting tonight after a promising young officer was killed in a crash on his way home from work.

Remembered as an ‘outstanding’ young man, Aaron Vidal followed in his father’s footsteps, dedicating his life to the force.

The driver who hit the 28-year-old has been charged accused of running a red light.

More: 7news.link/3fA5xZp


Part of the sales team at Ray White Castle Hill<br /> Joined February 2015 Aaron VIDAL
Part of the sales team at Ray White Castle Hill
Joined February 2015 Aaron VIDAL

Do The Work or Pay Later & we Remember Aaron Vidal

396 views
Streamed live 11 hours ago ( Friday 19 June 2020 )

5.13K subscribers
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.
Aaron RIP
Lest We Forget.

FAREWELL TO AARON VIDAL

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.


Family Stripped Of Life After Cop’s Death

The four-year Army veteran’s motorcycle was hit by a car driven by wannabe rapper Tommy Balla, who had run a red light.

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) NO ARCHIVING
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)
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.

As per the National Road Safety Strategy reports, there have been 1107 deaths by road accidents in Australia.

(Edited by Vaibhav Vishwanath Pawar and Saptak Datta)


Tommy Balla could be spared jail time for causing crash that killed young cop Aaron Vidal

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.
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.
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 car’s wireless Bluetooth system when he ran a red light and killed a young police officer. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker
Tommy Balla was on a call using his car’s 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.

hief Inspector David Vidal and partner of Aaron Vidal, Jessica Loh, arrive at court on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker
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 Vidal’s fiancee Jessica Loh and father Chief Inspector David Vidal embrace at the constable’s funeral at St Mary's Cathedral. Picture: Rohan Kelly
Aaron Vidal’s fiancee Jessica Loh and father Chief Inspector David Vidal embrace at the constable’s 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

By Sarah McPhee and Laura Chung
Updated

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 son’s fiancée Jessica Loh outside the court on Monday.Credit:Nick Moir
Chief Inspector David Vidal and his son’s 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.



Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL

Aaron VIDAL


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4 Comments

  1. I was there the night this happened, I’m so sorry for your loss. I still think about this accident all the time. Still lose my breath when I drive through the intersection. I was wondering what has happened with the court case as I haven’t been able to find anything online. Was the driver of the ute charged.

  2. Dear Vidal family

    Sorry for your loss.

    I sent this letter to police station he worked at with his dad I sent this letter there in the mailbox last week to his family to let them know the beautiful act of kindness there son showed towards me.

  3. Email Rx on Monday 22 June 2020 via this website, from Nick Dunsby ( nickdunsby@hotmail.com )

    Good Afternoon

    I wanted to email to say how truly saddened and sorry we were to hear of Aaron’s death. We now live in the UK but lived in Sydney for several years when Aaron became friends with our daughter Ella whilst at Muirfield High School.

    He struck me as a really positive, energetic polite young man and I always knew Ella would be OK if Aaron was around. He proved to be their saviour on a really crowded New Years Eve when several of them were stuck inside an overcrowded tunnel making their way home from the fireworks .. he made sure they were all safe and helped them out.

    I know all he ever wanted to do was to become a Police Officer and we were thrilled that this dream came true for him.

    I wanted to let his family know just how much we liked him, they had every reason to be very proud of Aaron, there are plenty of tears here in our little part of the world for his passing.

    We hope that we will be able to mark his life here in Somerset in some small, formal way.

    With our condolences and greatest respect to his memory, may be rest in peace.

    Nick and Alison Dunsby

    Reply: Wed 240220:

    Hi Nick and Alison,

    I have attached your email to the Memorial Post for Aaron where, I am sure, the family and friends of Aaron will find comfort in your message.

    May Aaron forever Rest In Peace.

    https://dev.australianpolice.com.au/aaron-vidal/

    Cal
    Retired NSWPF # 17463
    1975 – 2004

  4. David I am so very sorry to read about the death of ur son my thoughts are with u and ur family at this hard time

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