Five-Year Sentence for Albury Police Siege

A 36-year-old man, Stephen Bates, has been sentenced to five years in prison following a serious confrontation with police in Lavington, Albury, on 16 October 2024. The sentencing was reported today, 17 September 2026. Bates pleaded guilty to multiple offences connected with the incident, which involved a sawn-off.22-calibre rifle, a police pursuit and a subsequent siege at a residential property.

The incident began after Bates breached bail conditions and came to the attention of police. During the ensuing pursuit, police officers reported that Bates repeatedly pointed the rifle towards them. Although the firearm was ultimately found to be unloaded, officers responding to the situation had to treat it as a potentially life-threatening incident because they could not immediately know whether the weapon was loaded.

The pursuit eventually ended when Bates barricaded himself inside a home in Lavington. Police established a tactical operation around the property, with the situation continuing into the early hours of the morning. Bates was arrested at approximately 3am after police intervened. A flick knife was also found during the investigation.

The court heard further details about Bates' circumstances and the events leading up to the confrontation. During a medical examination following his arrest, police discovered a bag containing suspected methamphetamine concealed on his person. His offending history and previous restrictions relating to firearms were also considered during the sentencing proceedings.

The court was told about the effect the incident had on police officers involved in the operation. One officer described believing that she could die during the confrontation. The circumstances demonstrated the seriousness with which police regarded the firearm and Bates' actions, even though the rifle was not loaded when it was recovered.

Bates' defence presented information about his background, including childhood trauma and mental-health difficulties. These matters were considered by the court as part of the sentencing process. However, the judge also considered the need to address the seriousness of the offences and community safety.

Judge Stephen Hanley sentenced Bates to five years imprisonment. The sentence was backdated to the date of his arrest in October 2024. Under the sentence reported today, Bates will become eligible for parole in January 2027.

The case highlights the dangers faced by police during incidents involving firearms, particularly when officers cannot immediately establish whether a weapon is loaded. It also demonstrates how a police pursuit can develop into a prolonged tactical response when a person barricades themselves inside a property.

The sentencing brings the court proceedings arising from the 2024 Lavington incident to a significant stage. Bates remains subject to the sentence imposed by the court, with parole eligibility scheduled for January 2027 rather than automatic release at that time.