VAUCLUSE SHOOTING

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 March 1930, Page 12

VAUCLUSE SHOOTING

WOMAN COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. SYDNEY, March 12. Daisy Hunter Pickering, 30, married woman, was charged before Mr Camphin, S.M., at the Central Police Court yesterday with having maliciously shot at i Sydney Castle Ratcliff* her father, with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Mr Heavener appeared for defendant.

Detective Surridge stated that on February 24, in company with other police, he saw defendant at her home in the Village Lower-road, Vaucluse, and asked her what was the cause of the shooting. She replied: “My father broke into the house and die had my brother on the floor by the neck, choking him. I -was afraid he would kill my brother and I fired at his legs. Fie then made at me and I fired at him again, because JI was afraid he would kill me. I am sorry now, but I was afraid of my life when he made at me.”

To Mr Heavener: As a result of the father’s attack the. defendant’s brother had to remain in the hospital for some days. Defendant and her husband both bore excellent characters. Sydney Castle Ratcliff said defendant was his daughter. On. the date in question, he was annoyed with his son and went to the house to punish him. A rough and tumble ensued, and he heard and felt shots. He did not then see who was using the revolver. “I heard the defendant crying,” he said, “but I did not see her. They rang for the police and a doctor. There was a little commotion, and I don’t clearly remember what took place.” Mr Heavener: Did not your daughter remove her mother from your house because of your treatment of her? Witness: I won’t answer. I refuse to take any mud-slinging from you. The magistrate said he ' was of opinion that there was a case to answer, and committed defendant for trial. Bail was fixed at £5O.