Cory Abbott to stand trial over alleged carjacking in Norlane

A Norlane man who was left fighting for his life after being shot by police following his alleged involvement in a carjacking, has been ordered to stand trial.

Cory Abbott appeared via video link in the Geelong Magistrates Court in his role for an alleged carjacking.

A Norlane man who was left fighting for his life after being shot by police following his alleged involvement in a carjacking,has been ordered to stand trial.

Cory Dean Abbott appeared in the Geelong Magistrates Court on Monday for a committal hearing and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges.

Mr Abbott is charged with aggravated carjacking with a firearm, being a prohibited person possessing a firearm, driving while disqualified, common law assault, and possessing ammunition without a licence.

It is alleged Mr Abbott approached an elderly man driving a Holden Commodore on Iona St in Norlane on February 17, and attempted to sell him a different Commodore.

The alleged victim, a 75-year-old man, said he declined Mr Abbott’s offer and Mr Abbott then grabbed the keys in the ignition.

After a brief scuffle, Mr Abbott allegedly pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot the driver before driving off in the car.

Less than 30 minutes later, officers were able to track the car and Mr Abbott to nearby Warrawee Ave.

When police arrived at the scene, it is alleged Mr Abbott was armed and confronted the officers. In response, police opened fire on Mr Abbott, who was then taken to hospital in a critical condition.

During the committal hearing, the court heard there was insufficient evidence to proceed on charges of assaulting emergency workers on duty, and reckless conduct endangering life.

Mr Abbott’s lawyer told the court the homemade gun that his client had was not capable of discharging.

The court heard although Mr Abbott allegedly pointed the firearm at police officers, it did not amount to charges of assault because there was no application of force involved.

The reckless conduct endangering life charge was also dropped, because pointing an unloaded firearm at someone did not mean their lives would be at risk.

Magistrate Bernard Fitzgerald committed Mr Abbott to stand trial and he will next appear in court for a directions hearing on November 13.

Originally published as Cory Abbott to stand trial over alleged carjacking in Norlane