A Victorian man who threatened police with what they believed was a rifle in South Australia's Riverland has walked free from court after serving his jail sentence.
Andrew Keith Taylor, 53, spent the last two years and four months behind bars after threatening police officers in Glossop in January 2021.
Taylor pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated assault last week, after the charges were downgraded from threatening to cause harm.
He was sentenced to jail time but, because of time already served, today walked free from South Australia's District Court.
The court heard that, in January 2021, a couple entered Taylor's second-hand shop in the town of Glossop, and that he told them to turn around and leave.
After the witnesses thought it was a joke, Taylor repeated his threats, the court heard.
The court was told Taylor then said, "Ring the cops, I'm ready for a shootout", and the couple left his store and, in fear, immediately called triple-0.
Four police officers were deployed to the area and tried to negotiate with Taylor while he was armed with what they believed was a rifle.
The court heard that, as police tried to approach, Taylor said, "If you come near me, I will f***king kill you", while pointing what they believed was a rifle in their direction.
Police realised the weapon had plastic tape over it and did not appear to have a bolt fitted.
Officers decided the weapon was inoperable and, as a group, they subdued and arrested Taylor.
In a victim impact statement, one of the officers involved in the incident said he now suffers complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
"I remember clearly the firearm being raised and pointed at me," the officer said in the statement, which was read to the court.
"I remember waiting to hear the sound of the firearm being fired and hoping it would miss.
"I've been left with stress and anxiety as a result of the incident."
The court was told that Taylor had a previous problem with alcohol consumption and that, during his 20s and 30s, he consumed four to five litres of wine every day.
Judge Liesl Kudelka said she believed Taylor was using alcohol to self-medicate for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
"While you've been in custody you haven't been drinking alcohol and I hope that things are becoming clearer for you," she said.
"I can't emphasise enough [for you] to get help for that alcohol problem via a mental health care plan."
The court heard that Taylor intends to return to Victoria to live with family.
"I do hope you've gained … insight into where things went wrong," Judge Kudelka said.
"There's no tolerance in the community for this kind of behaviour to police.
"It really must not happen again."
