Martin Pilli case: shot policeman tells court his life is irreparably damaged
A VETERAN police officer shot by a man he was trying to save from suicide says his injury has caused irreparable damage to his life and career.
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A VETERAN police officer shot by a man he was trying to save from suicide says his injury has caused irreparable damage to his life and career.
Sergeant Robert Campbell was shot in the leg when his handgun discharged during a Preston hotel room struggle with Martin Pilli late on October 2, 2014.
Mr Pilli, in his early 40s, was armed with a knife and attempting to hang himself when police entered the room that night.
In a statutory declaration read out in the County Court by his wife, Detective Senior Constable Marianne Luttick, Sgt Campbell said he had endured 17 operations in a 10-month period, and had suffered life-threatening infections since the incident.
“My career as a police officer is virtually over.
“Emergency workers do not go to work to get injured and are entitled to enjoy the same safety in their workplace as everybody else,” the officer of more than 30 years said.
Crown prosecutor Andrew Grant said Sgt Campbell was still only able to walk on crutches and was largely confined to a wheelchair.
Sgt Campbell, an avid motorcyclist and commercial pilot, said he was now unable to enjoy the hobbies he once did.
Pilli pleaded guilty to negligently causing serious injury, and a jury found him not guilty of intentionally causing serious injury and recklessly causing serious injury.
Barrister Michael Cahill, acting for Pilli, said the jury was satisfied the gun — still strapped to Sgt Campbell’s thigh — was discharged accidentally.
Judge Richard Smith heard police took the knife from Pilli before he made for Sgt Campbell’s gun.
Two employees of the Bell St hotel heard Pilli say “just shoot me in the head” and “let me kill myself” during the confrontation.
Mr Cahill said his client wanted to kill himself with Sgt Campbell’s firearm.
“Mr Pilli was intent on harming himself, and not Sgt Campbell.
But he added Pilli could not actually recall pulling the trigger.
A clinician’s report stated it was unclear whether Pilli had recovered from the effects of trying to hang himself when he grabbed the weapon.
Both parties said Pilli, who has already spent 560 days behind bars, should receive a prison term of up to two years and a community corrections order.
Judge Smith ordered that Pilli be assessed for his suitability for a community corrections order.
He is due to be sentenced on April 21.
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