Constable Keith Anthony Smith served in the Tasmanian Police force for 25-years.
Share and Follow

A man accused of the shooting murder of a veteran police officer at a rural property has appeared in court without entering a plea.

Constable Keith Smith, who was awarded a full police funeral with ceremonial honours, died on June 16 while delivering a court-ordered home repossession notice at North Motton in Tasmania’s north-west.

Leigh Geoffrey Sushames, 46, the resident of the property, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault.

Constable Keith Anthony Smith served in the Tasmanian Police force for 25-years.
Constable Keith Anthony Smith served in the Tasmanian Police force for 25-years. (Tasmania Police)

He appeared via video link in Launceston Magistrates Court today but didn’t enter a plea to any of the charges.

Sushames was remanded in custody and will next appear in court on August 11.

Police have previously said Const Smith, 57, was shot not long after leaving his car at the property.

He was at the house with another experienced officer and two other people involved in the home repossession process.

Police said specialist group officers, who were stationed at the driveway of the property, shot Sushames in the hand. He then surrendered.

Const Smith, who was part of the police force for 25 years, has been remembered as a committed and respected officer who was always the “good cop”.

His daughter and wife said they were proud of his career and described him as their protector.

Police professional standards and the coroner are investigating the incident – the first fatal shooting of an officer in Tasmania since 1922.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Dozens of people, including over 20 kids, tragically die in Texas floods during ongoing search efforts

Key Points The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas has reached…

A majority of older Australians support Labor’s proposal to tax supers exceeding $3 million

More than half of older Australians support increasing taxes on high superannuation…
Premier's pledge after visiting fire-damaged synagogue

Leader’s promise after visiting synagogue damaged by fire

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan has vowed to provide all necessary support to…

Van der Poel narrowly beats Pogacar to win second stage of Tour de France at hilltop finish

Alpecin’s Mathieu van der Poel has edged Tadej Pogacar to win the…

Donald Trump criticizes Elon Musk’s new political party as ‘absurd’

United States President Donald Trump has called Elon Musk’s plans to form…

Qantas Cyber Attack: Airline Contacted by Possible Hacker Regarding Data Breach

Qantas has revealed it has been contacted by a hacker claiming to…
The knuckledusters seized at Perth Airport (inset) and the domestic terminal.

Washington man faces court for reportedly having brass knuckles in carry-on for flight

A West Australian man is set to appear in Perth Magistrates Court…
Desperate search for 27 missing girls after flood disaster

Search Intensifies for 27 Missing Girls Following Flood Catastrophe

At least 51 people, including 15 children, were killed, with most of…