There’s no doubt the story of father and son fugitives Mark and Gino Stocco, bonded by blood and a shared criminal history, captured the imagination of millions.

But strip the romanticism back, and the Stoccos were little more than dark-hearted criminals.

They torched homes and ripped off farmers, stole cars and stood over anyone that dared confront them.

They shot at police and even committed murder.

The fact they eluded capture for such a long period was more good luck than good management.

The true heroes in this story are the police who put their lives at stake to protect the community and uphold the law.

It can’t be said often enough that every time a police officer straps on their holster, they are taking a dangerous step into the unknown.

Wagga Highway Patrol senior constable Matt Shaw learned that lesson in terrifying technicolor.

On a seemingly ordinary day in October last year, Senior Constable Shaw was alerted to a suspected stolen car near Mangoplah.

What was about to unfold would change his life forever.

The stolen car harboured two of the nation’s most wanted criminals.

In a blur of screeching tyres and smoke, Senior Constable Shaw and his off-sider were thrust into a hell not of their own making as bullets sizzled past their heads.

Adding to the trauma, the whole saga was heard by Senior Constable Shaw's wife, a serving officer, on police radio back at the Wagga station.

The chase was aborted but not before a number of lives had been changed irrevocably.

In a Dubbo courtroom on Wednesday, the Stoccos pleaded guilty to murder, meaning the charges relating to the shooting at police were dropped. But Senior Constable Shaw doesn’t feel cheated.

He realises both men will likely serve out their days caged, like the animals they are.

After eight years on the run and a litany of lives ruined, the Stoccos are about to get a long overdue dose of justice.

And that is yje best form of therapy possible for Senior Constable Shaw.