NewsBite

Exclusive

Campbelltown train station: Blackett man pleads guilty to brandishing knife at policeman

The final moments which led to a policeman shooting at an out-of-control man with a knife earlier this year have been revealed.

Robert Hampton being apprehended by police after he was shot. Picture: Supplied
Robert Hampton being apprehended by police after he was shot. Picture: Supplied

The final moments which led to a policeman shooting at an out-of-control knifeman following a tense standoff at Campbelltown train station earlier this year have been revealed.

Less than two hours before the fast-paced altercation on May 15 this year, Robert Hampton, 40, was perusing an aisle stocked with kitchen knives at Minto Woolworths.

Robert Hampton at the scene of the train station shooting. Picture: 9 News
Robert Hampton at the scene of the train station shooting. Picture: 9 News

The Blackett man later hopped on a train to Campbelltown, disembarked, and went to march through the Hurley St barriers without paying but was grabbed by Senior Constable Hills.

The police officer said “hang on, stop there mate. Do you have a ticket?” before Hampton pulled away, took hold of the kitchen knife he was hiding under a black jumper and replied “I’m going to f**king stab you”.

The scene following the shooting. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu
The scene following the shooting. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

The 40-year-old backed away with the knife raised above his head as police officers pointed Tasers at him, before running away. As dozens of schoolchildren were on their way home at the nearby bus exchange, police chased down Hampton and yelled at him to drop the knife. When the demands were ignored, Constable Hills fired his Taser.

Hampton, with Taser wires hanging out of his back from the single probe which struck him, then surged at the policeman with his knife. The police officers ran away and drew their guns.

Hampton was shot as schoolchildren made their way home. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu
Hampton was shot as schoolchildren made their way home. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Hampton attempted to flee the scene once more before he was chased down by police, standing in the middle of the road with his knife above his head screaming incomprehensively, twice threatening to throw his knife at police.

Constable Hills began to back away from the crazed knifeman but was trapped by a wall. Hampton, with his knife above his head, began to charge at the policeman before he was swiftly shot in the abdomen by Constable Hills.

The Blackett man pleaded guilty in Campbelltown Local Court on December 11 to using a knife to prevent lawful detention and will be sentenced in the District Court.

He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/blackett-man-pleads-guilty-to-brandishing-knife-a-policeman/news-story/91ec50dac58e1cf0744348ac56c22dbb