Police have launched a manhunt for Dezi Freeman, 56, in connection with an alleged sexual assault. Freeman is also the suspect in the fatal shooting of two Victoria Police officers in Porepunkah earlier this week.
Court records released to Guardian Australia show Freeman had a criminal record spanning more than 30 years, but no convictions for violence or firearms offences. His history includes fines for speeding and unpaid fines, as well as a conviction for using a mobile phone while driving and refusing to provide a saliva sample.
In 2022, Freeman lost his driver's licence. In court documents, he claimed his family, including his wife and three children, were homeless and living in a van. He alleged harassment by police and said the loss of his licence was a severe hardship.
Freeman had his firearms licence cancelled following the driving matter. He is now the subject of a widespread manhunt as police investigate the adequacy of their risk assessment prior to the shooting.
