Richard William Hambrook was led into the dock in Tamworth District Court by two Corrective Services’ officers on Tuesday, dressed in a suit for his arraignment.

The 65-year-old has been in custody since mid-December 2016, following his arrest by local officers after an incident in Little Barber Street.

On Tuesday, Hambrook pleaded guilty to carrying a Remington 788 bolt-action rifle with disregard for the safety of himself and any other person on December 14, 2016, in Gunnedah.

“Guilty, Your Honour,” he said, as the charge was read out by Judge Jeffery McLennan.

He also pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing the same Remington bolt-action rifle on the same date in Gunnedah.

The court heard that Hambrook had entered guilty pleas to the two charges in October 2017, but maintained a not guilty plea to one count of discharging the bolt-action rifle at the same time with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) on the same day in Gunnedah.

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The case was set down for trial this month. 

On Tuesday, the Crown prosecutor said the case would proceed on the two guilty pleas entered, which the defence said arose out of the same incident.

“Count three relates to the same firearm as count two,” Public defender Stuart Bouveng said.

Judge McLennan said that Hambrook was entitled to a 25 per cent discount for his early guilty pleas, after the Crown elected not to proceed to trial on the first, more serious charge.

“I don’t wish to be heard on the contrary,” the Crown prosecutor told the court.

The court heard Hambrook had been in custody since mid-December 2016, the Crown confirmed.

“It’s getting to be about 21 months,” Mr Bouveng said.

He also said he and the Crown “still have to agree on some facts” but they would be finalised within days.

Judge McLennan indicated to both sides that time served behind bars could see Hambrook released on parole, but adjourned the case for a full sentencing hearing in Tamworth District Court.

Hambrook made no application for bail and it was formally refused.