A fugitive who fatally shot himself during a 43-hour siege had felt backed into a corner by Victoria Police and media reports, an inquest has heard.
The 40-year-old convicted rapist, Antonio Loguancio, had been on the run after assaulting his partner and breaching parole when police tracked him to the Justin Avenue property on March 1, 2013.
Loguancio told police he was upset by media reports about his arrest warrant and previous convictions for rape, a Coroners Court inquest was told on Tuesday.
"Loguancio told another officer that he was angry and that media reports had pushed him into a corner," Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Goddard said.
The fugitive also told friends and the woman he assaulted that he did not want to go back to jail.
Police were also aware that Loguancio had at least one gun in his possession.
"If you come here I have enough firepower to make sure that I am okay," Det Snr Sgt Goddard told the inquest Loguancio had said.
"... He was crying (on the phone) while considering his options."
Before the siege, Loguancio became increasingly agitated and refused police requests to surrender.
Inspector Tony Glenane said police decided to release details about the manhunt to the media because Loguancio was considered dangerous.
"The fact that he had committed three offences whilst on bail was a reason for us to go to the media," Insp Glenane told the inquest.
In her opening on Monday, counsel assisting the inquest Fiona Ellis said Loguancio spoke to a television reporter over the phone for 54 minutes during the siege.
The inquest continues.
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