Found Not Guilty On Shooting Charges

Northern Advocate, 19 July 1949, Page 5

Found Not Guilty On Shooting Charges

PALMERSTON N., Tue. (P.A.).— Arising out of the firing of seven rifle shots into a house at Akitio Beach, a small settlement 20 miles from Pongaroa, on May 7, William Henry Soames, labourer,. 33, married with one child, stood trial in the Supreme Court at Palmerston North before Mr Justice Gresson.

He was found not guilty. He was charged on three separate counts, one of discharging a firearm with intent to maim’, and the second and third of discharging a firearm with intent to intimidate or annoy Richard John Peck and Alma Doris Peck.

The court was occupied throughout yesterday with the hearing of evidence for the prosecution. PROVOCATION ALLEGED

No evidence was called for the defence, which was based upon grounds of provocation. Evidence was given of a quarrel at the Pecks’ house following a visit by a party, including wives, to the Pongaroa Hotel.

Peck admitted knocking accused down twice for an alleged insult.

Half an hour later shooting started, bullets passing through the windows into the Pecks’ house.

Mrs Peck told how she left the house with two children after crawling over the floor to the door. She met accused who said he would get her husband if he waited 10 years. Witness admitted that her husband was occasionally fighting drunk and had several prohibition orders. Police evidence was to the effect that accused was still under the inliuence of liquor when arrested. SUMMING UP Summing up, His Honor said there was no doubt as to accused’s actions. The question was essentially one of intent. The defence had argued that accused acted under extreme provocation. Perhaps he had, but the circumstances described did not constitute provocation for. his acts. Drunkenness w-as no excuse.

After a retirement of 55 minutes the jury found Soames not guilty on all counts and he was discharged.