A Gilmore man accused of firing a gun at his neighbour after trying to steal from him can't be in jail because he's his family's "breadwinner", a defence lawyer has told a court.
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Kevin Thomas Clarke, 40, was arrested on Australia Day after a two-week police investigation. Officers allege about 3pm on January 13, he stole multiple items from his neighbour.
The neighbour confronted Mr Clarke about the stolen items on January 15, before Mr Clarke allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at him "a number of times".
The neighbour fled from the attack in a car, police allege.
On Monday, the court heard Mr Clarke was on bail for other offences, including theft, when the alleged incident happened. Police carried out a search warrant at a house on Rischbieth Crescent, Gilmore, about 1.20pm on Sunday, where they ultimately arrested Mr Clarke.
Officers said they found two loaded and modified .22 calibre rifles, three paint ball rifles, a large amount of ammunition, ammunition magazines, and two swords at the house.
Police also seized drugs - including pressed cannabis resin, dried cannabis, and 12 mature cannabis plants - along with three motorbikes and two portable fridges, which they suspect were stolen.
Mr Clarke fronted court on Monday on 16 charges, including discharging a firearm and endangering life, discharging a firearm in a public place, possessing prohibited firearms, theft, and cultivating a prohibited plant.
He did not enter pleas to the charges.
His lawyer told the court Mr Clarke was his family's breadwinner, and the "primary carer" for his wife and sister. His wife, who was sitting in on court proceedings, told Magistrate Robert Cook, "I really need my husband's support".
Mr Cook said, "it's not unusual that in fact the breadwinner comes before the court ... and leaves [their family] in circumstances of difficulty".
He refused Mr Clarke bail to appear in court again on February 10.