December 10th 2024.
During a recent inquest, it was revealed that a man, Robert George Greig, had been on the run after shooting at police. He had set up a camp in the bushland and his partner would routinely visit him there. The incident occurred on September 26, 2022, when Greig fired at two police cars near New Norfolk in Tasmania. His wanted vehicle, a Holden Colorado, was spotted by a member of the public on October 10, which sparked a police operation with special officers and a helicopter.
Sadly, a body was discovered in the burnt-out Holden later that afternoon. It was later identified to be Greig. The inquest, which began in Hobart, is now examining the circumstances and cause of his death. According to Cameron Lee, the counsel assisting the coroner, Greig had a history of trouble with the law and had even served time in jail for evading police.
On the night of September 26, Greig went to the home of a woman who had taken out a family violence order against him. Lee explained during his opening submissions that Greig had hit her multiple times in the head, blaming her for the situation and saying ominous phrases like "this is your fault" and "till death do us part." The police were called and as they approached the house, they heard gunshots and a window of their car shattered.
Lee stated that about eight to ten shots were fired at the police car, with one officer noting that they seemed to come from behind a hedge in a nearby paddock. Another officer in a different car heard a radio transmission about the shooting and was soon confronted by a 4WD with its high beams and roof lights on. As the car got closer, the officer heard five more gunshots. This was when the search for Greig began.
It was later discovered that Greig had set up a camp in the bushland not far from New Norfolk. His partner would routinely pick him up at 7:30pm and the two would spend the night at her house. They communicated through letters, which were left under a wheelie bin. However, Greig's father, Gary, believes that the police shot and killed his son and then burned the car to cover up the evidence. He claims that a lawyer had told him this, but the lawyer later denied making the statement.
During the inquest, Gary admitted that there was no evidence to suggest that his son had been shot by police and that there was no proof that the officers had discharged their guns. He simply wanted to know the last moments of his son's life. Lee also mentioned that Greig had discussed the possibility of receiving a 10-20 year jail sentence for the shootings and that concerns had been raised about his mental health.
Upon searching Greig's car, guns were found. Lee also mentioned that two specialist officers would testify to hearing a single gunshot. It was determined that the fire that burned the car was intentional, but the cause of death could not be conclusively determined due to the fire. For anyone in need of support, they can call Lifeline, beyondblue, or 1800 RESPECT. Additionally, the 9News app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, providing updates on breaking news, sports, politics, and weather.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
