A man accused of the shooting murder of a veteran police officer at a rural property has appeared in court without entering a plea.
Constable Keith Smith, who was given a full police funeral with ceremonial honors, passed away on June 16 while serving a court-ordered home repossession notice in North Motton, located in Tasmania’s north-west.
Leigh Geoffrey Sushames, 46, the resident of the property, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault.
He appeared via video link in Launceston Magistrates Court today but didn’t enter a plea to any of the charges.
Sushames was remanded in custody and will next appear in court on August 11.
Police have previously said Const Smith, 57, was shot not long after leaving his car at the property.
He was at the house with another experienced officer and two other people involved in the home repossession process.
Police said specialist group officers, who were stationed at the driveway of the property, shot Sushames in the hand. He then surrendered.
Const Smith, who was part of the police force for 25 years, has been remembered as a committed and respected officer who was always the “good cop”.
His daughter and wife said they were proud of his career and described him as their protector.
Police professional standards and the coroner are investigating the incident – the first fatal shooting of an officer in Tasmania since 1922.
