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An Auckland gunshop director who shot a machete-wielding intruder threatening to kill him, has elected to be tried by a jury on firearms charges.
Gregory Joseph Carvell, 33, of the Small Arms International gunshop in Penrose, shot Ricky James Beckham in the stomach with a .45 calibre pistol after he allegedly entered his shop on July 27, waved a machete around and threatened to kill Carvell and a staff member.
Carvell appeared in Auckland District Court today charged with possessing a firearm without lawful, proper or sufficient purposes, and he elected for a trial by jury to defend the charge.
He will reappear in the court on February 12 for a pre-depositions hearing.
Outside court Carvell said "the charges are totally unfounded and we will fight this fully".
Beckham appeared in court last month and pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault with intent to rob. He has been remanded in custody to appear in the High Court in February.
- NZPA
