Accused police killer Leigh Geoffrey Sushames appears in court on fresh weapons charges

A Tasmanian police officer’s alleged killer has appeared by video link but his case stalled when his barrister revealed a mysterious assessment was underway.

Police on the scene near a property in Tasmania’s north west where a police officer was shot dead. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker

A 46-year-old man accused of the murder of a Tasmanian police officer and attempted murder of another is yet to make a plea to the charges.

Leigh Geoffrey Sushames appeared by video link to the Devonport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Mr Sushames has been charged with murder and attempted murder and faces 10 new charges including possessing a silencer, possessing an unregistered firearm, and two counts of possessing a firearm when not the holder of a firearm licence of the appropriate category, among others.

He was represented by Devonport barrister Greg Richardson, who said he had hoped to advance the matter but couldn’t, as Mr Sushames was subject to an “assessment”.

Leigh Geoffrey Sushames, 46, has been charged with the alleged murder of Constable Keith Anthony Smith. Picture: Facebook

Mr Richardson asked for an adjournment to 17 December and said he hoped to advance the matter then.

Mr Sushames is charged with the murder of Constable Keith Anthony Smith and the attempted murder of Sergeant Gavin John Rigby at a property at North Motton on 16 June 2025.

DEVONPORT, AUSTRALIA-NewsWire Photos- JUNE 27, 2025. A police funeral to honour Constable Keith Anthony Smith was be held in Devonport, following his tragic death in an incident at North Motton. Picture: NewsWire/ Simon Sturzaker

Mr Richardson asked for Mr Sushames to appear in court on the charges and said there was a “very good reason” but he was “not in the position to indicate in open court”.

“As currently instructed I believe there would be a significant advantage of him being here,” Mr Richardson told the court. Magistrate Evan Hughes asked Mr Richardson why the matter couldn’t proceed with the normal procedure of communicating through Risdon Prison.

Mr Richardson said it would be advantageous if he and his client were in the same room. Magistrate Hughes adjourned the matter, with Mr Sushames to reappear by video link for a mention on all charges on 17 December at 2.15pm. Mr Richardson said if he had to apply for a body warrant to have Mr Sushames appear in person, he would. Mr Richardson indicated he had not yet spoken to Mr Sushames regarding the new charges.