Anthony Keith Gifford found ‘not criminally responsible’ for shooting rampage at Dunoon, near Lismore

A North Coast man who was charged with shooting at neighbours and police – allegedly forcing a sergeant to dodge shotgun pellets – has been found not responsible for his actions. Here’s why.

Police at Dunoon after the alleged shooting rampage on March 7, 2021.

A Northern Rivers man who was charged with shooting at police and residents during a terrifying siege near Lismore has been found not responsible for his actions.

The incident allegedly forced a female sergeant to lay in the footwell of a police car to dodge a barrage of shotgun bullets.

It was alleged Dunoon man Anthony Keith Gifford, 65, left homes and police vehicles riddled with bullet holes after the March 6, 2021 siege at Dunoon, near Lismore.

An image of a damaged police vehicle released by police. Picture: NSW Police

Gifford – found not criminally responsible for shooting with intent to murder – was accused of writing notes describing neighbours as “targets” or “collateral damage” before the rampage.

Though, some were allegedly deemed “innocent bystanders”.

Police alleged more than 20 shots were fired at residents on Rayward Rd and Duncan Rd and that a dozen police officers and six locals were forced to take refuge in one residence.

Gifford pleaded not guilty to all charges laid “by reason of mental illness”. He has remained in custody on remand since he was arrested on the night.

On June 29, a special verdict was handed down at Lismore District Court and Gifford was due to “be detained until released by due process of law”.

The reasons behind the special verdict have been withheld.

In a Supreme Court bail hearing in September last year, the issue of Gifford’s fitness to stand trial was contested.

Barrister Dennis Stewart told Justice Peter Hamil Gifford was in a “state of delirium” and “not fully cognisant of his actions”.

On the first day of his District Court trial on May 24 this year, the court heard Gifford appeared confused and “not immediately responsive”.

He appeared unable to comprehend some of the proceedings and mumbled not guilty pleas, requiring Mr Stewart to step in to help.

Rayward Rd, near Dunoon.

Judge Jennifer English cut proceedings short and said she had “genuine concerns” about Gifford’s fitness to stand trial.

“I have absolutely no confidence he will be able to follow evidence,” she said.

Mr Stewart said Gifford’s apparent inability to understand proceedings was a “surprise”.

He told the court he was not instructed that Gifford was unable to give instructions.

A psychological report from August 2022 found Gifford fit for trial and the Crown prosecutor told the court Gifford was assessed by a neurological expert a week prior and not found to have cognitive issues.

The case was adjourned for a psychological assessment and due to be heard on June 30

The special verdict was handed down a day before the trial was due to resume.

A picture supplied by police. Picture: NSW Police

Gifford was found not criminally responsible for: two counts of shooting with intent to murder, five counts of shooting at a home with disregard for safety and two counts of shooting with intent to resist arrest.

He was also found not guilty of two counts of shooting a gun in or near a public place, one count of damaging property with intent to endanger life, one count of shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of damaging property by explosive with intent to injure.

Three charges were withdrawn: Firing a firearm in or near a public place, not keeping a firearm safely and resisting officers.