Man who threatened WA cop sacks lawyer

A West Australian man who endangered a police officer's life has had his sentencing delayed because he sacked his lawyer.

Russell Graham Penny was shot by Constable Ann-Maree Needs at Crossman, south of Perth, in November 2013.

Penny had a sawn-off shotgun concealed in his clothes when he was pulled over by police and then wrestled with Sergeant Michael Richard Williams over the weapon before a shot was fired over the officer's shoulder.

Penny was scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday but the matter was adjourned until Friday because he sacked his lawyer.

The court heard there had been an "irretrievable breakdown" in the relationship between Penny and his lawyer because of a lack of communication.

Penny may have to represent himself on Friday if a new lawyer cannot be found because the law requires he be sentenced within six months of being found guilty, which is April 30.