The man shot dead by police on a street in Nowra yesterday has been identified as Alexander Stuart Pinnock, known to authorities as a fake lawyer.
Key points:
- A man shot dead by police officers after a tense stand off in Nowra has been identified
- Alexander Staurt Pinnock is known to authorities variously as Alec Stuart and Alec Anton Stuart
- In a Coffs Harbour court last year he pleaded guilty to offences related to acting as a fake lawyer and was fined $900
A critical incident investigation is underway into the shooting of the 34-year-old as he emerged from a Nowra medical practice on Wednesday afternoon armed with what appeared to be a Glock or semi-automatic handgun.
Police confirmed Pinnock was shot while holding the gun and a ballistic shield dropped by an officer.
It is understood several police fired at Pinnock, with witnesses reporting the sound of at least six shots.
He died from his injuries at the scene.
Previously, Pinnock had been investigated and charged for working as a legal practitioner under the names Alec Stuart and Alec Anton Stuart while not qualified to do so.
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In May 2023 he pleaded guilty to six offences relating to unqualified legal practice brought against him by the Council of the Law Society of NSW.
“Alexander Pinnock is not a registered legal practitioner and can’t engage in any type of legal practice,” a statement from the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner said at the time.
“As an unqualified person Mr Pinnock also must not advertise, represent, or do anything else that states or implies he is entitled to engage in legal practice.”
His offences included making an application for a replacement legal identification card to engage in legal practice, despite having no formal qualifications.
In a court in Coffs Harbour in New South Wales he was fined $900.
It is not clear when Pinnock moved to Nowra.
Police aware of mental health history
Outside Nowra Police Station yesterday afternoon New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter said Pinnock, who had not yet been publicly identified, was known to police.
“Generally that has come through medical episodes and, quite obviously and more recently, psychological medical episodes, which have required our intervention,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Cotter referred to Pinnock’s background as “not a significant criminal history”.
“He has a very, very, very minor criminal record for nonviolent offences,” he said.
“The next of kin of this man have been informed and obviously it is a tragic time, and a tragic event for all of his family and all of his friends.”
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