Victoria Police’s former top sniper admits he was anxious about meeting Walter Mikac after the Port Arthur massacre, revealing he could have “put a round on the nose” of the “pathetic” individual who committed the atrocity.

“I did have a clear view of him with my safety off,” Craig Harwood told Neil Mitchell on Tuesday.

“I was capable of putting a round on the tip of his nose, but he was unarmed (at that stage).”

Press PLAY below to hear his harrowing recollection of what happened

Harwood was part of a team that was rushed to Tasmania to apprehend the person responsible for the shooting while he was holed up at the Seascape bed and breakfast.

The person was ultimately arrested, charged and found guilty of 35 murders.

“I think it would have been a better result for a lot of people (had he been killed),” Harwood admits.

“I met Walter, the bravest man I know, on the 25th anniversary and I was really concerned how he would view what we did.”

Neil: He would understand.

Craig: He did. He’s an amazing man.