LOADED RIFLE PRESENTED AT FATHER-IN-LAW.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 17 July 1937, Page 7

LOADED RIFLE PRESENTED AT FATHER-IN-LAW.

MAN REMANDED TOR MEDICAL OBSERVATION (By Telegraph —Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Last Night. Unusual circumstances of a charge against a man of presenting a loaded rifle at his father-in-law were related by Senior-Sergeant Packer in the Police Court to-day. It was suggested that a loan of £3OO he could not repay preyed so much on his mind that he came from the south to the house of his father-in law and threatened to shoot him. He admitted the offence and was remandeo for a week by Mr. H. W. Bundle, S.M., for medical observation.

The Magistrate said that, in his present frame of mind, he was a source of potential danger and he would reconi mend to the Minister of .Justice that he be placed in an institution for three months for medical treatment.

Accused pleaded guilty. ‘ ‘ This man deserves the sympathy of the Court in this offence,” said the senior-sergeant. Defendant was a son-in-law of complainant, who had at one time lent him £3OO to purchase a house in Mornington, and because accused had not paid any interest, a solicitor’s letter was sent to him. Accused saw complainant and told him he could have the hduse and its contents. He was working at the time at the Hillside workshops and gave up his employment and left for the country; On June 17 complainant was attempting to start his motor-car preparatory to going visiting. It was dark and a man appeared on the scene, and offered to fix the engine. This man was accused, and as complainant walked towards him, he said- “ Stand still or I will shoot you.” Complainant tried to reason with him and every time he approached, accused threatened to shoot him and complainant’s housekeeper. He emphasis'ed his intention by firing a shot, and gravel from the path struck the housekeeper on the leg. Subsequently he agreed to go into the house, and he walked behind them with the rifle. Once in the house he sat on a bench and threatened to shoot if they, came near. , After 15 minutes he walked out of the house. Next day, complainant, w r ho had ren 11done all he could to assist accused, went, by car to see accused, but all,he would say was, “ You have ruined my life. ”

T-he Magistrate remanded accused for a week and said that he would recommend that he be placed in a mental hospital for three months for medical treatment,