Overview
Content warning: This article details a case involving domestic violence and fatal injury. A man charged with murdering his former partner in Perth, Western Australia, has changed his plea at the last minute. Peter Damjanovic, 39, pleaded guilty to the killing of Tiffany Woodley, whose body was found inside her Bedford home in 2023. The development comes after a period of tension around the case and extensive media attention.
The Court Appearance and Plea
Damjanovic appeared via video link from Hakea Prison to enter a guilty plea to the murder charge. He had been slated to stand trial in the Supreme Court before entering the plea. The court was told that Woodley, 35 at the time, suffered severe head injuries after an attack that involved a towel rail, and she was left bleeding on the bathroom floor. Prosecutors described the assault as “vicious” and set within a context of ongoing family violence.
Key moments in court
Witnesses previously testified that Damjanovic was intoxicated on the day of the attack and had assaulted Woodley following an argument. He allegedly called triple-0 and then emerged from the home covered in blood. In police custody, he reportedly told officers, “I’m a murderer.” The court heard the violence occurred amid repeated restraining orders Woodley had filed against him, the most recent just three months before her death.
Background and Context
Woodley’s death drew renewed attention to domestic violence issues in Western Australia. The court heard that Damjanovic had been living on the streets after leaving a local homeless service in Fremantle. The decision to allow a judge-only trial was approved due to the graphic nature of the evidence and the anticipated media interest, ensuring the proceedings could be managed fairly and with sensitivity to the participants.
Impact on the Community and Legal Response
The case sparked calls from advocates and the public for stronger protections for domestic violence victims. Following Woodley’s death, vigils and parliamentary ceremonies highlighted the need for urgent government action to prevent similar tragedies and improve support services for survivors and their families.
Next Steps
Damjanovic is scheduled for a sentencing hearing in March next year. As the legal process continues, observers will be watching for the court’s assessment of the full circumstances surrounding the murder and any factors the judge may consider in determining an appropriate sentence.
Notes for readers
This report contains details about a violent crime and may be distressing to some readers. Indigenous readers are advised that the story includes photos of someone who has died and vivid descriptions of the events.
