Revealed: The ute driver accused of running a red light and killing police officer who was on his way home to his pregnant fiancée is a rapper called Tom-E-Gun who 'took risks on the road'
- Constable Aaron Vidal was driving home from work when he died in motor crash
- Police officer was going home to his pregnant fiancée in Rouse Hill on Thursday
- Tommy Balla, 37, has been charged over the crash causing the constable's death
- Balla claims he didn't run a red light, as police suggest, but the light was amber
The man accused of hitting and killing a police officer as he rode home from work on a motorcycle is a rapper who uses the stage name Tom-E-Gun.
Tommy Balla, 37, is accused of running a red light and killing NSW Police Constable Aaron Vidal in Rouse Hill, 43km north-west of Sydney, on Thursday night.
Balla wasn't injured in the crash and appeared in court on Friday charged with dangerous driving and negligent driving - both occasioning death.
Constable Aaron Vidal (pictured) was driving home from his shift as a police officer when he was allegedly hit and killed by Tommy Balla
Tommy Balla (pictured) insists he did not run a red light and it was in fact amber
However, the father-of-two insists the light was in fact amber when he turned the corner, according to Nine News.
Appearing at Parramatta Local Court via video link Balla broke down in tears when his driving record was read out to the court.
It includes six speeding offences and two instances of using his mobile phone while driving.
Police prosecutor Kay Ferguson told the court that 'this is not a man who understands the responsibility involved in having a driving licence.'
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Balla's bail was granted by Magistrate Robyn Dees despite concern from prosecutors about his driving record, according to The Daily Telegraph.
He was not required to enter a plea during Friday's appearance and is set to appear in Blacktown Local Court on August 14.
Balla claims he is a songwriter and rapper that goes by the stage name Tom-E-Gun however his lawyer, David Mulligan, told the court his client had worked as a elevator technician for six years.
Several media outlets approached Balla as he exited a building and stepped into a car.
He insisted to Seven News it 'was an accident'.
Constable Vidal was driving home to his pregnant fiancée at the time of his death
Balla also told a Nine News reported that he wanted to tell the family he was 'so sorry. I'm sorry'.
Constable Vidal started his duties as a probationary officer at Sydney City after completing his training in December 2017.
He was later confirmed as a constable in December 2018 and worked alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has extended his condolences to the Vidal family on behalf of the NSW Police Force.
'My thoughts are with Aaron's family and fiancée, as well as his current and former colleagues at this difficult time,' Commissioner Fuller said.
Balla also told a Nine News reported that he wanted to tell the family he was 'so sorry. I'm sorry'
'Dave has always been incredibly proud of his son following in his footsteps and walking the beat side-by-side with him,' Commissioner Fuller said.
Constable Vidal worked at the Sydney City Police Area Command throughout his entire career and was part of the Proactive Crime Team since late 2019.
'On two occasions he had been formally recognised for good police work by members of the community, which shows that he was held in high regard by not only his peers, but the community he served,' Commissioner Fuller said.
'Prior to joining the police force, Aaron served in the Australian Army, which further demonstrates his commitment to serving and protecting the community.'
Const Vidal was confirmed as a constable in December 2018 and worked alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal (right)
Constable Vidal worked at the Sydney City Police Area Command throughout his entire career and was part of the Proactive Crime Team since late 2019 (pictured: Constable Vidal working with his father, David)
Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy said the force was 'hurting' at the loss of one of their own.
'He was a man of service – he was a member of the armed forces before he joined the police force and really, a 28-year-old young man on the journey of life,' Deputy Commissioner Loy said on Friday, according to the Daily Telegraph.
'There's a lot of people around (Constable Vidal's fiancee) today, also his father, and he has five other siblings – so it's a big family.'
