FIRED SHOT

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 154, 17 July 1937, Page 14

FIRED SHOT

— Press Assoclatlon.)

Man Presents Rifle at Father-in-Law REMANDED FOR OBSERVATION

By Telegraph-

DUNEDIN, Last Night. Untisual circumstances of a charge against a man of presenting a loaded rifle at his father-in-Mw were related by Senior-Sergeant Packer in the Police Court to-day. It was suggested that a loan of £300 he could not repay preyecl 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 remanded 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 recommend to ihe 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 complainaht, who had at one time lent him £300 to pnrchase a house in. Mornington, and because accused had not paid any interest, a solieitor's letter was sent to him. Accused saw complainant and told him he could have the house 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, accuscd threatened to shoot him and complainant 's housekeeper. He emphasised his intentiOn by flring a shot, and graveJ from the path struck the housekeeper on the leg. Subsequently he agreed to go into the house, and h# walked behind them with the riiie. Once in the house he sat on a beneh and threatened to shoot if they came near. • After 15 minute3 he walked out of the house. Next day, complainant, who had really done all he could to assist accuscd, went by car to see accused, but all he would say was, "You have ruined my life." The Magistrate. remanded accused for a week and said that he would recom meud that he be placed in a mentai hospital for three months for medical treatment.