The man accused of fatally running over a young police officer has admitted stealing and driving the car but denies killing the officer, a court has heard.
Reagan Ainslie Chown, 23, faced the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court in Perth on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to reckless driving to elude police during a chase in a stolen Holden Cruze.
But he pleaded not guilty to the murder of officer Anthony Woods, 28, who was allegedly hit by a car in Ascot on June 8 last year.
The officer and his colleague had pulled over the vehicle and were attempting to detain three occupants when Constable Woods was reportedly dragged underneath as the car reversed.
Constable Woods was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died on June 11.
He became the 88th WA police officer to be killed in the line of duty.
Officer Anthony Woods is said to have been hit by a car in Ascot on June 8
Constable Woods had only been on the force for about three years and had just completed his probationary period when he died.
The farewell was said at Optus Stadium on July 7.
In a statement after his death, Constable Woods’ family said they were shocked.
“He was a devoted husband and loving son, brother and uncle who was taken from this earth far too soon,” they said.
“Anthony will be remembered as a funny, hard-working man who loved the West Coast Eagles and messing around with his mates.
“He brought light and laughter to every situation, and his wicked sense of humor is irreplaceable.
“Our pain at this time is indescribable, and we take comfort in the outpouring of love from the community.
‘We ask that you keep Anthony’s memory alive by telling stories about all your wonderful times with him.’
Constable Woods (pictured with his wife) was reportedly dragged under the vehicle and succumbed to his injuries in hospital three days later
Hundreds of Western Australian police officers attended Constable Woods’ funeral at Optus Stadium in Perth last July (pictured)
Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the young officer had tried to keep the community safe.
“It was the type of interaction that any of our officers might encounter on any given day or night of the year, reminding us of the ever-present dangers that police officers face,” he said.
Constable Woods’ name has been added to the memorial wall at the WA Police Academy in Joondalup, overlooking the flame of memory.
Chown will appear in the WA Supreme Court on June 10.
The newly minted officer was remembered as a “devoted husband and loving son, brother and uncle who was taken from this earth far too soon.”
