A man who shot towards police to escape arrest has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The crime was one of several committed by Graham John Enniss during six days on the run in 2015.
Appearing on Thursday afternoon via video link in the Supreme Court, in Burnie, Justice Michael Brett sentenced Enniss for crimes including aggravated assault and assaulting a police officer.
On November 14, Enniss broke into a home at Black River and stole two firearms.
Two days later, police visited the home of Enniss mother to arrest him, but he sped away as they approached the house. He was disqualified from driving at the time.
Three days later, a farmer stopped to investigate when he spotted Enniss running towards a plantation.
Enniss turned at pointed a shortened rifle at the farmer, gesturing for him to leave the area.
On November 18, Enniss forced his way into a shack at Crayfish Creek, but left without issue when confronted by the owner.
The next day he broke into another home on the same property, and was confronted by the owner as he was leaving.
Enniss was carrying a shotgun, and told the owner he believed police would shoot him when they caught him.
Later that day, Enniss threatened a female who cycled past his stationary car by making a throat-slitting gesture.
A short time later, she saw his vehicle parked in the driveway of her dairy farm and alerted police.
Several officers travelled to the dairy farm to apprehend Enniss, but before their arrival, Ennis broke into a shed, forced open a gun safe and stole a rifle and ammunition.
Four police officers in two vehicles arrived and approached Enniss vehicle, but he again drove away.
The officers followed, and after travelling a short distance, Enniss stopped, got out of the car and pointed a rifle at the approaching police.
The officers got out of their vehicle and attempted to take cover, as Enniss fired a shot. He got back into his car and escaped onto the Bass Highway.
Police had placed spikes along the highway, but Enniss saw the spikes as he was approaching. He turned and drove the opposite direction, followed by two officers in an unmarked van.
Enniss braked suddenly before reversing at speed into the van.
Believing they were in danger, the officers exited the van, but Enniss stopped his car a few metres away.
The police drew firearms and Enniss was arrested.
In sentencing, Justice Brett described Enniss criminal record as appalling.
You commit offences, go to prison, come out, commit more offences and go back into prison, he said.
Justice Brett said Enniss guilty pleas to most of the charges served as a mitigating factor in sentencing.
Enniss will not be eligible for parole until 2021.