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Case of man accused of murdering Tasmanian police officer delayed

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Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams at Constable Keith Smith's funeral. Image / Tasmania Police

The case of a Tasmanian man accused of killing a police officer has been delayed, with defence lawyers saying they are still waiting on crucial documents.

Leigh Geoffrey Sushames, 46, is facing charges of murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault over the June death of Tasmania Police Constable Keith Smith.

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Sushames appeared via video link in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Monday, where the matter was adjourned until August 29 for a plea hearing.

The court heard Sushames had received a letter from his defence team, Legal Aid, before his appearance, advising he had not returned required paperwork.

Constable Keith Smith was fatally shot on June 16. Image / Supplied

Legal Aid told the court they would withdraw from the case if the paperwork was not provided.

The charges relate to an incident on June 16 at Sushames’ rural property on Allison Road in North Motton, where Constable Smith was fatally shot while serving a court-ordered repossession warrant.

Leigh Geoffrey Sushames is accused of murdering Constable Keith Smith. Image / Pulse

Smith, 57, was with another uniformed officer, Special Operations Group members and civilians involved in the repossession when the shooting happened.

Police allege Sushames shot Constable Smith before the second officer returned fire, wounding him.

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Sushames was charged in the days after the incident and has been in custody ever since.

The case will return to court at the end of the month.

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