Former Kiama councillor Brendon Comber charged with gun offences

A former Kiama councillor has been charged with multiple firearm offences after an alleged altercation regarding the renting of a truck.

Former Kiama councillor and music business R&R Production Services operator Brendon Reece Comber is facing multiple firearm charges after an alleged fight over a truck and music equipment on February 16.

Police allege Mr Comber, 41, pointed a gun at a man who had repossessed his truck when the ex-councillor had failed to pay for it.

The following day, Wollongong Local Court heard how Mr Comber, who was elected to Kiama Council in 2004, was allegedly renting the truck until the full amount had been paid, at which point he would become the owner of the vehicle.

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In documents tendered to court, police allege Comber still owed $2000 to the owner when he ceased communicating with him. At that point the truck owner and his son allegedly decided to go to Mr Comber’s Minnamurra home without his knowledge and repossessed the vehicle.

The court heard how once the former councillor found out the truck had allegedly been repossessed, he allegedly retrieved his .22 calibre rifle and ammunition from his gun safe before tracking down the man and his son in the truck in Gwynneville.

The accused allegedly blocked off the truck before aiming the rifle, which had a loaded magazine, but no ammunition inside, at the man and demanded the truck, which had hundreds of thousands of dollars of music equipment in the back, be returned.

Brendon Comber allegedly intercepted the truck at the intersection of Northfields Ave and Irvine St in Gwynneville. Picture: Google Maps

The man, who police allege was fearful, convinced Mr Comber to discuss the issue in a nearby street, giving him a chance to dial triple-0. Police were also contacted by a member of the public who witnessed the situation.

Police were on the scene about 5.45pm with Comber placed under arrest before being taken to Wollongong police station where he was charged with using an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, using an unauthorised firearm and not keeping a firearm safely.

In Wollongong Local Court, Magistrate Claire Girotto described the allegations as “peculiar”.

Mr Comber’s solicitor Sam Karnib told the court his client did not have a criminal record and could be behind bars for months before a final verdict was reached.

Mr Karnib also revealed the music equipment had been returned, therefore there was no reason for him to contact the alleged victim.

However, noting his lack of criminal history, Magistrate Girotto granted him bail with several conditions. He must live at his Minnamurra home, report to police three times a week, offer a $10,000 surety and not leave home unless in the company of his partner.

Mr Comber will return to court on March 1.