Alleged Geraldton shooter bailed after weapons seized

A Geraldton man has faced court the day after he allegedly fired a homemade shotgun at a man he was arguing with — nearly hitting two bystanders. Glenn Raymond Cooper, 36, represented himself in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court today after spending the night in custody. The court was told 26-year-old Shannon Thomas Woods approached Mr Cooper’s house in Utakarra just before 1pm and allegedly smashed three CCTV cameras located on his fence. Prosecutor Sgt Troy Gildersleeve said moments later the accused man became aware of the damage and emerged from his house. The pair were then heard “shouting abuse” at each other before Mr Cooper went back inside his property. Sgt Gildersleeve said a shot was allegedly discharged towards the victim which struck the ground near him and two witnesses that had gathered nearby. “No injuries were sustained from the projectile,” he said. Police attended the scene at 1.05pm and closed Clematis Crescent to the public for a number of hours while forensic officers investigated the scene. A number of weapons and ammunition were allegedly located inside Mr Cooper’s house including the shotgun, a crossbow, homemade taser, replica gun and a gel blaster pistol. He was charged with a six firearm offences, possession of drug paraphernalia and endangering the life, health or safety of a person. Sgt Gildersleeve said police opposed bail for Mr Cooper because of “fears the issue will escalate”. Mr Cooper, who is currently unemployed, told the court he rarely leave his property and would remain behind a locked gate if given bail. Magistrate Gregory Benn said while it was a very dangerous act Mr Cooper is alleged to have committed, it was important to note he was “not the catalyst of the alleged circumstances”. “If the victim is going to go around and start trouble, well he should expect it back,” he said. I don’t have sympathy for the victim.” Mr Cooper was given bail on a $1000 surety and $1000 undertaking, ordered not to communicate or approach within 50m of Mr Woods and was report to Geraldton Police three times per week. “If there’s any further repercussions you’ll be straight back into custody,” Mr Benn warned the accused man. Mr Cooper will reappear in court on December 10 alongside Mr Woods who was charged with criminal damage. Detective Senior Sergeant Bruce McDonald said the two men were known to each other and this was believed to be an isolated incident. “It’s very concerning to see weapons constructed like that in our community,” he said. We treat it very seriously and believe there’s no further risk to the community.”