BRAVE BEN’S ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

NATIONAL HONOUR FOR TASSIE MAN

A DEVONPORT man who lost his life going to the aid of a female friend during a domestic violence incident has been recognised in the Australian Bravery Awards.

Ben Aherne, pictured, was the only Tasmanian to be recognised in this year’s decorations and among only nine Australians to be awarded the Star of Courage.

He received the posthumous

award for displaying conspicuous bravery in what ended up being a murder-suicide.

Mr Aherne’s mother Ruth said she was “so very proud” of her son although thinking about his death was still very hard.

In a statement, Ruth, his father Michael and brother Jason said Ben had paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost his life in his efforts to save others.

“It is clear to us that had Ben not intervened, there is a probability that others would also have been killed day,” the family said.

“Our family has faced difficult times since Ben’s death and we have had to learn to live with the tremendous loss and the gap we now have in our lives. But we are so pleased and so very proud that his extreme bravery has been recognised.”

On the morning of October 8, 2011, Ben Aherne received a phone call from a friend asking him to visit her house in Watkinson St, Devonport.

She told Mr Aherne she had been assaulted by her that former partner and she was worried he was going to return to the property.

An inquest later heard the offender had been upset about a “threesome” taking place in the house that he had not been invited to take part in.

Mr Aherne drove to the woman’s house. His partner Christina Rowlands arrived in her own car and remained outside.

Shortly after Mr Aherne arrived, the woman’s expartner returned and entered the house carrying a rifle.

He continued to make vi- olent threats and Mr Aherne confronted him in the hallway in an attempt to defuse the situation.

After a short struggle, both men left the house.

Once outdoors, Mr Aherne ran towards Ms Rowlands’ vehicle.

He banged on the windows, warning her to leave immediately.

The armed man approached and fired two shots at the vehicle, seriously wounding Ms Rowlands.

As Mr Aherne ran towards his own car, the armed man fired his weapon, caus-