Ex-National Crime Authority lawyer Peter Wallis ‘elated’ by arrest of prime suspect Domenic Perre

FORMER National Crime Authority lawyer Peter Wallis was “elated” by the arrest of prime suspect Domenic Perre – and said he was confident that renewed investigations into the 1994 bombing would lead to a breakthrough.

• NCA bombing suspect charged
• The fatal 1994 NCA bombing in Adelaide
• NCA bombing inquiry in final stages

FORMER National Crime Authority lawyer Peter Wallis was “elated” by the arrest of prime suspect Domenic Perre – and said he had always been quietly confident that renewed investigations into the 1994 bombing would lead to a breakthrough.

Perre was on Thursday arrested and charged with the murder of WA detective Geoffrey Bowen and the attempted murder of Mr Wallis.

National Crime Authority bombing survivor Peter Wallis.

While mindful of numerous disappointments over the past 24 years, Mr Wallis praised Major Crime detectives involved in the 2½-year probe that resulted in on Thursday’s dramatic development.

Mr Wallis, who suffered critical injuries, last night said he had been kept informed of the investigation’s progress by Major Crime detectives and was aware an arrest was close.

He received the anticipated phone call on Thursday morning advising him that Perre had been charged with attempting to murder him and the murder of his former colleague, Detective Sergeant Geoffrey Bowen.

Domenic Perre is led into Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday. Picture: Picture: Nine News

When asked how he felt after the call, Mr Wallis said: “I think elation.’’ “It is a bit hard to take it in, it has been a long time,’’ Mr Wallis, who now lives in Victoria, said. “I now realise that is a bit misplaced because there is a long way to go, but I was very happy.’’

Mr Wallis, 66, said although he was always hopeful the fresh investigation would provide a breakthrough, he had contained his expectations. “In footy terms, you would call it ‘keeping a lid on it’,’’ he said.

Mr Wallis said the bombing was never far from his thoughts. His physical scars, which include the loss of an eye, are a constant reminder.

He had remained “pretty resilient’’ over the past 22½ years, despite disappointment when original charges against Perre were dropped in 1994, and several case reviews failed to progress the case.

Mr Wallis, who was 42 at the time of the bombing, said he could still remember the shockwave that all but obliterated the office he was standing in with Det-Sgt Bowen. “Something else always comes back with this. I think of it as much as I ever did,’’ he said. “I think it is a remarkable effort by the investigators. I thank them, it has been a massive effort’’.