Michael Robert Foote, age 26, was sentenced in Griffith Local Court recently on a variety of firearms charges and one count of driving whilst intoxicated. 

Magistrate Boulos handed down an 18 month prison term with a non-parole period of 12 months.

The defendant, who pleaded guilty to all charges, has lodged an appeal in the District Court against the severity of the sentence. 

He stood accused of using a firearm under the influence of alcohol, firing a firearm in a public place, not keeping a firearm safely and driving with whilst over the legal alcohol limit. 

The incidents in question occurred in the early hours of February 26. Mr Foote was allegedly drinking at home when his mother came over. Whilst there, she informed him of disputes she was allegedly having with a neighbour. She warned her son not to get involved and left the premises. 

Hours later, Mr Foote removed an Adler level action 12 gauge shotgun from a safe and drove along a street in Leeton, past a park. 

Other court stories: 

Whilst driving at a slow speed, Police say Mr Foote fired “five to six” shots in the air. Hearing the sound of gun shots, residents called 000. 

The court heard several pellets fell onto roofs and nearby fences. 

Police say Mr Foote then drove his car up the gutter and onto the lawn in front of his mother’s house. A witness, who had seen him drive past the park approached the defendant. He onto the road in front of the house. 

They had a short argument before police arrived. Officers arrived at the address shortly thereafter at around 12.20am after receiving several 000 calls from concerned residents. 

Upon arrival, they found Mr Foote standing beside the vehicle. Police say they saw Mr Foote lean over and place the gun in the car.

The firearm was subsequently found on the front passenger seat, leaning against the door. When the passenger door was opened, spent shotgun shells fell out of the car and onto the grass. 

Mr Foote was placed under arrest and given a roadside breath test. Officers said he appeared “moderately affected” by intoxicating liquor.

Six spent shell cartridges were located along the street, spanning around 350 metres. 

The defendant also had his gun licence suspended and remaining firearms seized by law enforcement. The appeal will take Mr Foote’s case before the District Court.