A man who died following a siege in rural Clutha was previously involved in a similar violent clash with the police.
The Otago Daily Times understands the man involved was 36-year-old farm worker Michael Dunlea, who had appeared in the Dunedin District Court on Friday accused of breaching a protection order.
Mr Dunlea was released on bail to a Balclutha address.
Yesterday, though, the massive police presence dispersed and a statement was released confirming the man had been found dead at 10.15am.
A close associate of Mr Dunlea said he was aware the man had a criminal history, but described him as "a really nice guy".
"He’s gone to church and it seemed to be that he’d got it under control, his life.
"He always told me he hasn’t been drinking for four years."
The man said Mr Dunlea had caused huge destruction to farm property, stolen "a heap of guns" and had sent out videos to friends claiming he would shoot his partner and police.
It was not the first time he had been involved in such a wild spree.
Mr Dunlea was previously sentenced to two years five months’ imprisonment after he clashed with police in late 2019.
According to court documents, he was in an intoxicated state, searching for his partner in Wharetoa at the time.
He made serious threats to harm her and punched a workmate who intervened, later holding a shard of glass towards the man’s face.
Mr Dunlea drove off in his colleague’s vehicle and a lone officer found him at his home.
As police arrived, he approached wielding a metal bar.
"The defendant remained at the address for some time, continuing to act threateningly towards members of police," a police summary said.
While the standoff went on, Mr Dunlea set fire to his partner’s property and attempted to set her car alight before he was arrested.
The court heard he put his actions down to his alcohol use and the stress he experienced from being a farm manager.
Mr Dunlea’s lawyer said the defendant had battled with alcohol for most of his life, but had never before undertaken any rehabilitation.
Police yesterday said they were focused on supporting Mr Dunlea’s family.
"While this is not the outcome police would have hoped for, I want to thank the frontline staff and specialist teams for their hard work in responding diligently to this very lengthy incident," Otago Coastal area commander Marty Grey said.
The death had been referred to the coroner.
