NSW Police officer Graeme John Woods found not guilty at Taree court of assaulting teen in stolen car chase

A NSW Police officer was accused of becoming “red hot with rage and lashing out” at a 14-year-old after a stolen car chase – but he has been cleared. Here’s the latest on the case.

The police officer has been cleared of two assault charges. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

A three-day Taree Local Court hearing has cleared a NSW Police officer of assaulting a 14-year-old boy after a high-speed pursuit of a stolen car through town.

Graeme John Woods was facing two assault charges and a prosecutor told the court he became “red hot with rage and lashed out” after the pursuit, which resulted in a police vehicle being rammed by a stolen car - but on Wednesday acting magistrate Christopher McRobert rejected this assertion and dismissed all charges.

It was heard during the trial the car was chased over the Martin Bridge and through the streets of Taree while the alleged victim was behind the wheel and three more teens were inside – two boys and a girl.

The court heard from a 13-year-old boy who was described as a front passenger.

He said he stole the keys of a white Pajero and allowed the 14-year-old to drive.

The court heard he did not know the area because he was from Moree and he ended up turning into a property on the outskirts of town.

“They rammed us, so we rammed them back and the car flipped,” the teen said.

Graeme John Woods, supported by his wife, during a break in the hearing held at Taree Local Court.

Body worn video of the arrest played in the court showed the 14-year-old being held down. Mr Woods was heard saying “don’t fight me again, or you will be in a world of hurt”.

The alleged victim also gave evidence in court and identified his alleged attacker as “sort of a fat old fella”.

Asked if he was hurting after the alleged assault, the teen said “not much”.

The officer in charge of the investigation, David Goyle, also gave evidence and said he was currently stationed at Forster and has been with the force for almost 20 years.

He was asked by the prosecution why no photographs were taken of an injury Mr Woods suffered to his right hand in the incident.

The OIC said it was an “oversight” and he remembered the hand in a plastic cast.

It was not clear, Mr McRobert told the court, whether Mr Woods suffered the hand injury when his car was rammed, or during the arrest.

Mr Woods remains with NSW police, but has been on leave.

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