Both father and daughter had unresolved grief and alcohol issues and had a volatile relationship following the death of Mr Madex's wife in August 2017, his lawyer David Cronin said.

Mr Madex grabbed his daughter's throat and she retreated to her bedroom, with her father following with a sawn-off .22 rifle, it is alleged.

The father of four, grandfather of six, and great-grandfather of one, then allegedly shot his daughter in the forehead, later claiming he "wanted to scare her".

The pellet fragments did not penetrate the woman's skull, and she later told police "I don't think he realised the gun had bullets in it".

Mr Madex had been drinking about a slab of beer – 24 to 30 cans – a day, but was now sober and had been getting support from a psychologist while on remand, his son Jason told the court.

"He assures me he's never going to drink again," he said.

Jason Madex added his father no longer suffered "the shakes" he acquired several years ago.

Judge Forrest noted that although Mr Madex was not a flight risk, he considered the crown case of attempted murder reasonably strong.

He noted that Mr Madex would fight the accusation at a committal hearing in September, and that a trial was unlikeley to happen this year.

That meant the great-grandfather would spend 14 to 15 months in custody before the matter was finalised.

The judge described the delay as "unfortunate but not exceptional", refusing Mr Madex bail.

Mr Madex is accused of attempted murder, reckless conduct endangering life, intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, assault, and firearms charges.

If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or beyondblue 1300 224 636.

AAP