Date set for first step in cop killer’s sentencing

A man who pleaded guilty to shooting dead a veteran police officer on his rural property is getting closer to learning his fate.

Constable Keith Smith, 57, was killed at North Motton in Tasmania’s north-west on June 16 as he and another officer were delivering a notice of court-ordered property recovery.

Leigh Geoffrey Sushames was charged with murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault three days later.

The 46-year-old man pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated assault in January.

Sushames appeared via video link from prison in the Tasmanian Supreme Court on Friday.

The sentencing hearing, which is part of the sentencing process in which testimonies from people who know the victim are frequently heard, was to be held in Burnie on May 14.

Sushames will be referred to the courthouse for hearing.

Sergeant Gavin, who accompanied Const Smith to the property, pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder John Rigby.

Const Smith was farewelled with a full parade police ceremony and a street procession, and was remembered as a dedicated community-focused police officer.

His death was the first fatal incident in which an officer was shot dead in Tasmania in more than a century.

The popular police officer was awarded many awards, including the commissioner’s medal in 2011 and the national police service medal in 2016.

Sushames also faces 10 weapons and drug charges, including possession of an unregistered firearm and silencer.