“Alexander Stuart Pinnock, Fake Lawyer Shot Dead by Police in Nowra Standoff”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Man Shot Dead by Police in Nowra Identified as Fake Lawyer Alexander Stuart Pinnock

Yesterday, a man was shot dead by police officers on a street in Nowra following a tense stand-off. The man has now been identified as Alexander Stuart Pinnock, who is known to authorities by various aliases, including Alec Stuart and Alec Anton Stuart. Pinnock, 34 years old, had a history of impersonating a lawyer and was involved in a court case in Coffs Harbour last year where he pleaded guilty to offences related to acting as a fake lawyer and was fined $900.

The incident occurred when Pinnock emerged from a Nowra medical practice on Wednesday afternoon armed with what appeared to be a Glock or semi-automatic handgun. As he held the gun, several police officers fired shots at him, resulting in his death at the scene. Witnesses reported hearing at least six shots fired during the confrontation.

Prior to this incident, Pinnock had been under investigation for working as a legal practitioner without the necessary qualifications. In May 2023, he pleaded guilty to six offences related to unqualified legal practice brought against him by the Council of the Law Society of NSW. Pinnock was not registered as a legal practitioner and was prohibited from engaging in any form of legal practice. The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner issued a statement reiterating this fact and emphasizing that Pinnock must not advertise or represent himself as being entitled to engage in legal practice.

Pinnock’s offences included making an application for a replacement legal identification card in order to continue his fraudulent legal practice. In Coffs Harbour, he was fined $900 for these offences. It remains unclear when Pinnock moved to Nowra.

Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter of the New South Wales Police confirmed that Pinnock had a history of mental health issues, which had previously required police intervention. Cotter described Pinnock’s criminal history as minor and nonviolent, consisting of only minor offenses. The next of kin have been informed, and Cotter expressed condolences to the family and friends of Pinnock during this tragic time.

The incident in Nowra is currently under investigation as a critical incident. Forensic investigators were called to the scene following Pinnock’s death. The police officers involved in the shooting will likely face scrutiny as part of the investigation.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, please reach out to the Suicide Call Back Service, Lifeline, the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN, Kids Helpline, Beyond Blue, Headspace, ReachOut, or MensLine Australia. These organizations provide support for various mental health issues and crises..