Guilty plea in a high-profile domestic violence murder
A man previously due to stand trial for the murder of Tiffany Woodley has changed his plea at the last minute. Peter Damjanovic appeared via video from Hakea Prison and pleaded guilty to fatally attacking his former partner in her Bedford home in 2023. The development brings an abrupt close to what had been scheduled as a judge-alone Supreme Court trial and shifts the case toward sentencing proceedings next year.
The court heard how the attack unfolded
According to testimony presented to the court, Woodley, then 35, sustained horrific injuries after being struck with a towel rail and kicked while on the bathroom floor. The violence occurred in the context of ongoing family disputes and a history of domestic violence, with Woodley having previously obtained multiple restraining orders against Damjanovic, the most recent just months before her death.
Damjanovic, who was intoxicated on the day of the attack, called triple-zero and was found at the scene covered in blood. In a stark moment, he allegedly told police, “I’m a murderer,” as he was arrested. Prosecutors described the assault as vicious and entirely unacceptable, underscoring the pervasive danger faced by those attempting to leave abusive relationships.
The social and legal context
The case has highlighted the broader issue of domestic violence and the challenges victims face in seeking safety. Prosecutors noted that the violence occurred in the home, a space that is supposed to be safe for families but in this case became the scene of fatal harm. The court also noted that Damjanovic had been living on the streets after leaving a homeless service in Fremantle, illustrating the often complex social factors surrounding domestic abuse cases.
Because of the highly confronting nature of the evidence and extensive media attention anticipated, an application for a judge-alone trial had been approved. The decision allowed the proceedings to move forward with sensitivity to the victims’ families and public interest alike.
Impact on victims’ families and public response
The death of Tiffany Woodley spurred renewed calls for urgent reform to protect domestic abuse victims. Crowds gathered for vigils, and supporters described Woodley as a caring mother of three who deserved safety and justice. In Parliament, a candlelight vigil underscored the community’s demand for stronger protections and preventative measures against domestic violence.
What happens next in the case
Damjanovic is due to be sentenced in March next year. While a guilty plea ends the trial phase, sentencing will determine whether the case attracts a sentence that reflects the gravity of the crime and the impact on Woodley’s family. The court will weigh factors such as the nature of the domestic violence, the presence of restraining orders, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances presented by prosecutors and defense counsel.
Looking forward: accountability and prevention
Analysts and advocates say the case should serve as a catalyst for improving protections for domestic violence victims and ensuring more robust support systems for those seeking to escape abusive situations. Community leaders emphasize the need for resources, timely interventions, and coordinated responses across legal, social, and health services to prevent tragedies like this in the future.
