Oliver Max Oghanna 22, busted with rifle, ammo, machete and cocaine

A man who fired a rifle in a Biggera Waters home gave a disturbing explanation to police as to why he did it. Find out what happened in court.

A man who fired a shot from a rifle in a Biggera Waters home told police he did so after he was ambushed by armed intruders.

Brisbane man Oliver Max Oghanna, 22, was sentenced to 55 days imprisonment after he pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday to one charge each of possess explosives, discharge of a weapon on private land, possess dangerous drugs and unlawful possession of weapons.

Police also found a large cerated machete, ammunition and clipseal bags of cocaine when they searched the address.

Oliver Max Oghanna.

Police prosecutor Gavin Reece said around 11am on June 23, police received multiple calls from members of the public about men allegedly entering a Biggera Waters property.

On arrival, police saw two men, including Oghanna, sitting on the second storey window ledge of the dwelling.

The pair told police they lived at the address.

“Both males appeared distressed and stated they were ambushed inside the home by several other males who were still inside the dwelling,” Mr Reece said.

Oghanna had possession of a large machete and police also found a rifle loaded with ammunition sitting on the ledge, the court was told.

Police declared a crime scene and discovered gun shot damage to a glass window of a door.

“On speaking with (Oghanna), he stated he had taken the firearm from one of the intruders and fired it towards the back door to scare the intruders away,” Mr Reece said.

“He could not articulate to police how many intruders there were or what they looked like.”

Generic image of a bolt action rifle. Picture: Supplied

Police also found a clipseal bag containing 2.388 grams of cocaine on a coffee table in the lounge-room, which Oghanna said was his, the court was told.

The 22-year-old’s lawyer, Maddison Abela, said her client was couch surfing at the time of the offences and had permission to stay at the property.

She further stated Oghanna had spiralled after recently being released from prison and had turned to drug use to cope.

Since then, the 22-year-old had reconnected with his family who were in court to support him, Ms Abela said.

Magistrate Sarah Thompson took into account the 55 days Oghanna had served in pre-sentence custody.

“Guns are a significant issue in the community. I accept though, that your possession was as a result of disarming the intruders and discharging the weapon to frighten them off,” she said.

“What it does though, is (speak) to the company you are keeping, (by engaging) with people who are prepared to arm themselves with serious loaded weapons and the outcome could potentially be devastating for you but also for your family.”

Oghanna was sentenced to 55 days imprisonment, taking into account time already served.

He was placed on a two-year probation order.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Oliver Max Oghanna 22, busted with rifle, ammo, machete and cocaine