Army major fined for accidental firing of gun

A New Zealand Army major was fined $1400 at a court-martial today for accidentally firing a gun in Afghanistan.

Major Patrick Julian Butterworth, 45, pleaded guilty to omitting to carry out the correct unload drill on his Steyr Rifle, causing it to discharge accidentally.

Major Butterworth, who transferred from the British Army in May 2004, was the patrol commander for the Kiwi Team 2, based in Bamian.

Twelve members of the patrol were present at the time of the incident at Bamian on September 29.

The drills were being conducted at a live firing range in a valley near Kiwi Base.

Major Butterworth said he admitted following incorrect procedure and was very sorry the incident had happened.

Lance Corporal Matthew Davies inspected the weapon four days after the incident and found no faults that could have contributed to the gun going off accidentally.

Prosecution lawyer Lieutenant James Munro said such an offence was usually dealt with summarily.

"This charge only comes before a court-martial when the offender is of or above the rank of a major," he said.

- NZPA