Thread: Farmer not shot

Hunterville farmer allegedly shot at by poachers
Levin police stopped a ute in relation to reports of a Hunterville farmer being shot at by poachers.
CHRISTEL YARDLEY/FAIRFAX NZ


Levin police stopped a ute in relation to reports of a Hunterville farmer being shot at by poachers
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A Hunterville farmer was allegedly shot at after interrupting a group of poachers in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Police were called to investigate reports of gunfire at a rural property in Turakina Valley Rd, between McLeays and Managatipona Rds, near Hunterville, about 60km east of Whanganui, at 1am.

A police spokeswoman said the farmer reported coming across a group "spotlighting" on the back of a ute on his property, who then fired a hunting rifle at him before taking off.

The farmer gave police a description of the ute, and later that morning a vehicle matching his report was stopped by police in Levin.

The occupants of the vehicle, a 20-year-old and 19-year-old men and a 19-year-old woman, were arrested and charged with firearms offences.

All three are set to appear at the Levin District Court on Thursday

Good to see that action was taken after a report of spotlighters. I think most people just let it slide, so good on the farmer.
Now, call me cynical, but it is up to the alleged poachers to prove they didn't fire now, is not?
So, if you witness illegal spotlighting, just the suggestion that shots were fired at or near you, would seem to be the way to get police properly interested.

Originally Posted by Pengy

Now, call me cynical, but it is up to the alleged poachers to prove they didn't fire now, is not?

Why do you say that Pengy ?

Would it not be a normal case of prosecution having to prove the case ? Mind you, if they had firearms in the ute when stopped... Also most folks carry mobile phones and part of the investigation would be which cell towers their phoned connected to.

the prosecution's difficulty will be to prove who fired the shot. Only 1 of 3 did.

Farmer shot ..the (at) seems to be missing

Originally Posted by Ultimitsu

the prosecution's difficulty will be to prove who fired the shot. Only 1 of 3 did.

cops can do gunpowder swab test... just get them into separate interrogation rooms. tell them "you are being charged with attempted murder" and your mate next door has already confessed

Originally Posted by ebf

Why do you say that Pengy ?

Would it not be a normal case of prosecution having to prove the case ? Mind you, if they had firearms in the ute when stopped... Also most folks carry mobile phones and part of the investigation would be which cell towers their phoned connected to.

Well, yeah. Inocent till proven guilty is still the way in NZ (supposedly). But, I reckon in a case like this, the seed of doubt is well and truly sown due to the allegation by the farmer.
Guess it will turn into his word against the spotlighters word, but I know which one would get my support.

Originally Posted by ebf

cops can do gunpowder swab test... just get them into separate interrogation rooms. tell them "you are being charged with attempted murder" and your mate next door has already confessed

This is little ole NZ mate, not CSI LA

Difficult to prove there was any shot fired at the farmer.

Good way to get some police action tho ay

Sent from my SM-G800Y using Tapatalk

Yep. If mr farmer had phoned the cops and said there was a ute spotlighting his property, I very much doubt it would of got a reaction, let alone gone to court

Especially all the way out there.

Interesting article. Will have to wait for the summary of facts to see what the firearms offences are, perhaps they didn't admit firing any shots but have admitted being on the property, and therefore poaching.

Shame about the click bait title, seems to be right out of Stuff

Wonder which farmer it was - anyone know?

Originally Posted by MikeB

Wonder which farmer it was - anyone know?

Alisdair Macleay (75)

Good for him.