Anthony Keith Gifford stands trial denying alleged shooting rampage at Dunoon in Northern Rivers
A Northern Rivers man on trial accused of shooting at police officers with a shotgun during a lengthy siege wrote that his neighbours would be “targets” or “collateral damage”.
Police & Courts
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Police allege a Northern Rivers man accused of shooting at officers during a three-hour siege wrote notes describing his neighbours as “targets” or “collateral damage”.
Dunoon man Anthony Keith Gifford, 65, appeared mentally unsound on the first day of his trial in Lismore District Court earlier this week.
It’s alleged Gifford went on a gun-wielding rampage that left nearby houses and police cars riddled with bullets at Dunoon near Lismore on March 6, 2021 – forcing a female sergeant to lay in the footwell of a police car as he fired a shotgun.
Gifford pleaded not guilty to all charges laid against him “by reason of mental illness”.
On Wednesday, one side of the public gallery was filled with members of the community Gifford is alleged to have shot at, while the other hosted a group of supporters.
Gifford, a slim man with balding white hair and a trimmed beard, appeared confused as he entered the courtroom.
The court heard the trial would be determined by a judge alone, without a jury and Gifford was formally arraigned.
Gifford was “not immediately responsive” to what was happening or words spoken to him, the court heard.
He appeared unable to comprehend some of the proceedings and mumbled pleas of not guilty, requiring his barrister Dennis Stewart to assist in the process.
Judge Jennifer English cut off the arraignment 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 told the court Gifford’s behaviour and apparent inability to understand proceedings was a “surprise to him”.
He told the court he had not seen any indication Gifford was unable to “give instructions” to his lawyers ahead of the trial.
A psychological report from August 2022 found Gifford to be mentally fit to stand trial.
The Crown prosecutor told the court Gifford was assessed by a neurological expert only a week earlier and they found no cognitive issues.
Gifford denied two counts of shooting with intent to murder, one count of shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, five counts of shooting at a home with disregard for safety and two counts of shooting with intent to resist arrest.
He also pleaded not guilty to one count of damaging property with intent to endanger life, one count of damaging property by fire or explosive with intent to injure, and two counts of shooting in or near a public place.
The trial was adjourned to Monday.
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