26 March 2024

Michael Rattenbury accused of public place shooting south of Batemans Bay

| Albert McKnight
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NSW Police court

Michael Rattenbury, 41, has been refused bail by the Batemans Bay Local Court. Photo: Albert McKnight.

A man accused of opening fire with a gun near Batemans Bay, which allegedly could have injured someone, has faced court and been remanded in custody.

The case against Michael Rattenbury, a 41-year-old from the Shoalhaven, appeared in the Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday (25 March).

NSW Police originally said officers received reports of shots being fired near Beach Road at Denhams Beach, which is about 6 km south-east of Batemans Bay, around 3:30 pm on 12 January, 2024.

Police established a crime scene at the location and seized a sawn-off firearm for forensic examination, then Strike Force Implant was established to investigate the circumstances of the alleged incident.

On 14 March, police raided a home in Bruce Street, St Georges Basin, where they arrested Mr Rattenbury.

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The officers also allegedly seized a gel blaster rifle, shotgun ammunition, a cannabis plant and a mobile phone for forensic examination.

Mr Rattenbury has been handed charges that include firing a firearm in a manner likely to injure persons, possessing a loaded firearm in a public place and using or supplying a stolen firearm.

“Police are searching for a second man, believed to be involved,” police originally alleged.

On Monday, Mr Rattenbury was refused bail and his matter was adjourned before the Batemans Bay Local Court to 20 May.

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