Bail for man on gun count

A BELMONT man was granted bail last night four weeks after he allegedly reached into a policeman’s holster and fired the officer’s gun.

The Geelong Magistrates’ Court was told it was “pure luck” no one was injured or killed because of the alleged actions of Clinton Clements at a North Geelong mechanic workshop on May 3.

Police also claimed the 36-yearold had limited insight into the seriousness and potential impact, arguing the risk of releasing him was “too great”.

Detective Senior Constable Brett Hampson told the court Senior Constable Kaitlyn Poustie and Constable Daniel Inturissi, were “traumatised as a result of this incident”.

However, Magistrate John Lesser said Mr Clements’ clean record, the support promised by his mother and plans for mental health treatment and assessment justified his release on strict bail conditions.

The court heard he would return to his mother’s home in Summit Ave, Belmont.

His lawyer, Matthew Cookson, argued the case against Mr Clements would still take a lengthy time to resolve, as it would “likely be a con- test on his mental state” at the time of the alleged offences.

The court was told he had a history of drug issues and an acquired brain injury that had caused him to have epileptic fits since the age of 19.

Mr Lesser was told Mrs Clements was one of the witnesses to the incident at her son’s workplace, GEL Motors, on May 3.

On that morning, the applicant allegedly called police to the Separation St business, distressed by the belief one of his co-workers had stolen a $70 tool.

While other staff apologised to the police for wasting their time, the court heard Mr Clements became agitated, and took a swipe at one of his colleagues.

Sen-Constable Hampson said the officers used OC spray in an effort to subdue Mr Clements, who then tried to grab Constable Inturissi’s firearm.

The court was told he then placed his finger inside the finger guard of the weapon and discharged it, missing the officer’s leg.

“It’s not an easy thing to do,” Acting Sergeant Jacki Davis said.

The court heard police had security footage that showed Mr Clements continued to wrestle with the officers after the shot was fired.

He was released on bail and will return to court on June 30.