MILTON SHOOTING CASE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17158, 10 November 1917, Page 8

MILTON SHOOTING CASE

ACCUSED COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

Duncan Allison was brought beforo tno Police Court at Milton yesterday morning on a charges' of attempting to discharge a firearm at Constable E'ox with intent to do him grievous bodily harm. Ho was further charged, under tho Police Offences Act, with cruelly ill-treating a horse. Tho prosiding justices were Mceers J. W. Pctrio and C. Grey. The prosecution was conducted by Detective Sergeant Kemp, and tho accused was represented by Mr Brasch. A plea of guilty was entered on the charge of cruelty to animals, and a fine of 20s was imposed, in default 14 days' imprisonment. Evidence on the more serious charge of attempting to shoot Constable Fox was given by tho Rev. J. Morland (who reported the foregoing cruelty to tho police). Constable Fox stated that accused was excited when spoken to, gave signs of having had drink, and pointed the loaded gun, which he had procured to destroy the horse, at witness, saying " By -, I'll shoot you too." The accused's mother ran between tho accused and witness, endeavouring to push him (witness) out of the way. Accused kept witness covered with tho gun, wildly shouting obscene language. Ho left tho yard, and afterwards returned with his brother. A struggle ensued between accused and his brother, and witness joined in. The gun went off, but the chargo went wide. Accused was then arrested. The mother and brother of accused rendered witness every assistance. Evidence was also given by Henry A. Kitto (who lent accused tho gun to shoot tho horse), Elizabeth King, and Jano Kelrnan.

Accused was committed to the February sittings of the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed in two sureties of £100 each arid accused himself of £200. Bail was forthcoming.