Accused cop killer, Leigh Geoffrey Sushames, appears in Devonport court on murder charges

The case against a man accused of the shooting murder of an experienced police officer at a rural property is complex, his lawyer has told a court.

Constable Keith Smith, 57, was killed at North Motton in Tasmania’s northwest on June 16 while he and another officer were delivering a court-ordered repossession notice.

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

Sushames, who has made several court appearances, faced Devonport Magistrates Court via video link from custody on Wednesday but didn’t enter a plea to the charges.

Sushames’ lawyer Greg Richardson asked for more time to enter a plea, describing the case as “serious and complex”.

Magistrate Evan Hughes adjourned the matter until late November.

Const Smith’s name was added to the National Police Memorial in Canberra on Monday as part of ceremonies held nationwide to pay tribute to fallen officers.

He was also remembered at a memorial at Tasmania’s police academy on the outskirts of Hobart.

Const Smith’s death was the first fatal shooting of an officer in Tasmania in more than a century.

He was farewelled with full ceremonial police honours and a street procession in late June, and remembered as his family’s protector and a dedicated community-focused officer.

Const Smith received several honours, including the commissioner’s medal in 2011 and the national police service medal in 2016.