Peter Damjanovic: Judge-alone trial ordered for man accused of murdering ex-partner Tiffany Woodley

The fate of a man accused of a shocking domestic violence murder will be decided by a judge alone after photographs of the victim’s horrific injuries were deemed to be too confronting for a jury. Peter Damjanovic is due to stand trial in October next year charged with killing former partner Tiffany Woodley, whose battered body was found at her Bedford home on August 7, 2023. Emergency services had been called to the house after being alerted by a man inside. It was revealed in the days after, paramedics were unable to revive the 35-year-old because the alleged bashing was so severe. Senior police had also described the scene as “horrific and confronting”. WA’s Supreme Court was told on Friday graphic photographs of that scene as well as Ms Woodley’s violent end would need to be shown to a jury as part of the State’s case. Ms Woodley, the court was told, sustained significant injuries to her face and head. Prosecutors say the images would show the 38-year-old intended to kill the mother-of-three. Mr Damjanovic’s lawyer, Simon Freitag SC, said while the defence accepted the graphic photographs would need to be shown to a jury, he argued because they were so “confronting” they may upset some potential jurors. “They (the pictures) are of the worst kind,” he said. “For anyone to see them and try to be objective… it would be very difficult for a civilian juror.” Mr Freitag also argued his client should be tried by judge-alone because of the significant and extensive pre-trial publicity surrounding Ms Woodley’s death. He said Ms Woodley’s family have, understandably, been determined to keep her memory alive and in the public eye and while some of that exposure had lulled, he expected it would “ramp up” ahead of the trial next year. The court was told Ms Woodley’s family have taken part in public rallies highlighting the issue of domestic violence. Mr Freitag also said the defence were concerned any potential jury could be intimidated or influenced by Ms Woodley’s family if they intend to hold vigils or rallies outside court and wear t-shirts with her picture during the trial. Prosecutor Justin Whalley told the court the State did not support or oppose the application saying it was up to the court. Supreme Court Justice Joseph McGrath said he would grant the application for a judge alone trial saying the evidence put forward by the State would be “extremely confronting in nature” particularly the graphic photographs showing Ms Woodley’s injuries. He also agreed there had been extensive pre-trial publicity and while he did not think a jury would be intimidated by any actions of Ms Woodley’s family outside court he said the combination of all three factors satisfied him of the need for a judge-alone trial. Outside court, Ms Woodley’s mother Meretta Kickett and sister Semisha praised the decision saying they felt it was one step closer to achieving justice. They also said they were relieved a jury would not have to see Ms Woodley’s injuries revealing they were already aware of what she endured. “We’ve seen her body at the morgue and Tiffany will never ever look the same since the last time we’ve seen her,” Ms Kickkett said. “We also want to thank the homicide (unit) and the DPP for standing with us, supporting us right through this.”