Shot man’s jail time

Alex de Vos
A Corio man who was shot in the back while allegedly attempting a robbery with a Buzz Lightyear toy gun will spend Christmas in jail.
George Humphries, 28, appeared in Geelong Magistrate’s Court yesterday over the alleged attempted burglary of two homes in Corio’s Fairbairn Drive.
One of the homes, 50 Fairbairn Drive, was the scene of a near-fatal shooting earlier this year. The shooting was the fourth at the house in the past two years.
Corio Police Detective Senior Sergeant Damien McKeegan told the court Humphries had arrived at 47 and 50 Fairbairn Drive on September 26 intent on stealing drugs.
Det Sgt McKeegan said Humphries threatened the occupants with a “toy imitation gun”.
The court heard Humphries visited the first house but the female occupant refused to open the door.
Det Sgt McKeegan said Humphries then crossed the road to 50 Fairbairn Drive where he used the toy gun to knock loudly on the front door.
He was again refused entry and tried to climb through the window of the master bedroom, the court heard.
“He got his head through the window and was shot in the back left shoulder with a sawn-off shotgun,” Det Sgt Keegan said.
“He dropped the imitation pistol and went back to the first house where the female occupant called the ambulance.”
Det Sgt McKeegan said Humphries was taken to Geelong Hospital and later arrested.
“He usually attends 50 Fairbairn Drive to purchase drugs and had attempted to steal drugs on that occasion,” Det Sgt McKeegan said.
“He made a full admission and told police he would sort the matter out himself.”
Amanda Hurst, on behalf of Humphries, told the court he was “affected by Zanna at the time”.
She said her client was seeking bail so he could “come home and help his partner and new baby”.
Magistrate Terry Wilson denied bail, citing Humphries’ “lengthy” drug history and prior convictions.
“There is also a risk of him committing further offences and endangering witnesses,” Mr Wilson said.