The suspected gunman wanted over the deadly shootings of two police officers last year complained to a court that he had his firearms license cancelled and lost membership to his gun club.
Victoria Police is currently undertaking a large-scale manhunt for Dezi Freeman, 56, who allegedly gunned down the officers and injured a third as they executed a search warrant for ancient sex crimes at a property in Porepunkah, in the state’s high country.
Investigators believe Mr Freeman, who considers himself a so-called sovereign citizen, is heavily armed with multiple weapons.
The search has prompted investigators to put the tiny town at the foot of Victoria’s alpine region into lockdown, with shops and buisness closed as police scour the region.
A victim of a ‘personal vendetta’
Mr Freeman last year launched a Supreme Court challenge after his drivers licence was cancelled and he was disqualified from driving for two years after being convicted of speeding,refusing to submit to a drug test and using a mobile phone while driving.
Mr Freeman, who was born Desmond Filby, told the Supreme Court he and his family were the victims of “malicious prosecution” and “personal vendetta” after he was stopped for speeding outside a fish and chip shop.
Victoria Police released this image of Dezi Freeman as their search for the suspected gunman continues. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
According to the court, the incident sparked a heated exchange with Mr Freeman who ultimately drove off.
Man Accused in NSW Shooting Spoke of Sovereign Citizen Beliefs, Court Documents Reveal
Dezi Freeman, a disability pensioner accused of recent offenses, identifies as a sovereign citizen and has a history of disputes with authorities, according to court documents and reports.The case has brought to light details of his personal life, including his family situation and past legal challenges.
Mr. Freeman told the court he has been subjected to “malicious damaging persecution” by state employees, stating, “They knock us down and then keep kicking us when we’re down. Simply put, they look for the splinter in my eye while tripping over the logs in theirs.” Source: The Age
Documents revealed Mr. Freeman’s concerns about the impact of losing his driver’s licence on his family. He explained he previously worked as a professional photographer, which enabled him to sponsor his wife’s immigration from the Philippines. He also stated his wife is experiencing anxiety following the birth of their child, and all of their children are homeschooled, with driving being a core part of their educational activities. Source: The Age
Police reported that Mr. Freeman’s wife and children visited a police station on Tuesday evening. Source: The Age
Public records indicate Mr. Freeman has a history of run-ins with law enforcement over the past three decades,primarily related to driving offenses,including two speeding fines. Source: The Age
Moreover, Mr. Freeman was involved in a 2021 attempt to privately prosecute former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews for treason and fraud. He was arrested during a protest outside the Myrtleford magistrates’ Court following the failed prosecution. Source: The Age
The term “sovereign citizen” refers to individuals who believe they are not subject to government laws and regulations. This belief frequently enough leads to confrontations with authorities.