Parole for Tasmania Police officer who caused tragic Launceston death of holidaying pedestrian

A police officer who sped through a red light and caused the death of a pedestrian has been released from prison after serving 18 months.

Former Tasmania Police constable Aaron Tasman Bonner with his wife in Launceston after his first court appearance Picture: Patrick Gee

A police officer who sped through a red light and caused the death of a pedestrian has been released from prison after serving 18 months.

Before his release, Aaron Tasman Bonner told the Parole Board of Tasmania that as a police officer, he had pledged to “protect life and property” – and that his mistakes had been difficult to reconcile with this promise.

Bonner was a first class constable acting in the rank of sergeant in the Launceston CBD when he received a radio call for non-urgent assistance on January 6, 2020.

Bonner, who was working alone that night in a marked police car, accelerated as hard as he could into an intersection and through a red light.

He crashed into another car, which sent his vehicle out of control – rotating while airborne – and rolling as it hit a parking meter on Paterson Street.

Tragically, Anthony and Bernice Campbell – who were holidaying from New South Wales – were struck by the car.

Mr Campbell died soon after he arrived at the Launceston General Hospital, while Mrs Campbell was flown to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne for lifesaving surgery.

Bonner, who pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm by dangerous driving, was jailed for three years, with a non-parole period of half that time.

At his parole interview, family of the Campbells provided a statement outlining the impacts they had suffered, but “also very generously” considered the impact of the offences on him.

Bonner acknowledged the generosity of the family.

“There is no suggestion the applicant intended to cause any harm to the victims or the community more generally,” the board said.

“He acknowledges he will continue to live with the consequences of his actions for the remainder of his life.”

The board said Bonner had been employed in prison as a wardsman and played the bagpipes to help him “maintain some emotional regulation and focus”.

The board noted his “genuine remorse”, and said he was at low risk of reoffending, granting his parole as of November 13.

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