A Heartfelt Confrontation: A Widow’s Courage in the Face of Violence

In a poignant moment within the New South Wales Supreme Court, Lee-Anne Tozer, the widow of murder victim Mark Tozer, found a sense of liberation as she addressed her husband’s killer, Connor Fuller. Justice Mark Ierace had previously found Fuller guilty of Mr. Tozer’s murder in November 2024, following a brutal attack that unfolded after a car crash in South West Rocks on July 28, 2021.

The court heard that after a collision involving Fuller’s vehicle and Mr. Tozer’s Ford Falcon XR8, the 61-year-old followed Fuller to his home to obtain his license details. What ensued was a horrifying display of violence; Fuller assaulted Mr. Tozer for ten minutes, even after he was rendered unconscious.

During the sentencing submissions at the Newcastle Supreme Court, Mrs. Tozer expressed her family’s solace in knowing that Fuller would no longer walk free. “I believe Connor has not shown any remorse for what he has done; my husband’s life was taken by your violence,” she stated, her voice steady yet filled with emotion.

Outside the courtroom, Mrs. Tozer shared her feelings of empowerment in confronting Fuller directly. “I felt proud to say, ‘This is what you’ve done,’ and I don’t care if he wasn’t listening — he was made to sit there and be there,” she affirmed. In her impact statement, she painted a vivid picture of her husband, a man passionate about fishing, reading, and cars, who had been her pillar of strength and love.

Mark Tozer’s youngest daughter, Namoi, also gave a heart-wrenching statement, revealing the lasting trauma of her father’s death: “The sound of my father screaming out for help will forever follow and torment me.”

Crown prosecutor Brian Costello urged Justice Ierace to consider Fuller’s intent during the attack, emphasizing the unprovoked nature of his violence. “The offender persisted throughout a 10-minute period, fully aware that Mr. Tozer was unconscious and incapable of resistance,” he remarked. Costello further highlighted Fuller’s lack of remorse, pointing out that he continued to blame Mr. Tozer for his own death.

This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of violence on families and the importance of accountability in the pursuit of justice.