Hunter in court over shooting

Gary McCurrach 58 of Hastings outside Hastings District Court charged with careless use of a 308 rifle, causing the death of 23 year old Danny Jordan. PHOTO WARREN BUCKLAND

The hunter who allegedly killed a young soldier in the Ruahine Ranges will not enter a plea until a forensic optometrist has completed a report.

Gary Bruce McCurrach who faces a charge of careless use of a 308 rifle, causing the death of 23-year-old Danny Jordan on March 31 this year appeared at Hastings District Court this morning, and was supported by his family.

The 58-year-old Hastings man also faces two more charges, including careless use of a firearm causing injury to another man, and unlawful hunting.

McCurrach's lawyer sought a three week remand so he could get a forensic optometrists report before his client entered his plea.

Police allege Gary McCurrach shot and killed Jordan, a soldier based at Linton Military Camp, while he was sitting down in open bush.

Mr Jordan was resting with two friends on the Sparrowhawk bivouac track, when he was allegedly shot by the experienced hunter who was in a separate hunting group.

A dog was also hit by fragments of bullets.

The maximum penalty for causing bodily injury by carelessly using a firearm and causing death in the same way is three years' imprisonment or a fine of $4000.

McCurrach has been remanded on bail until he returns to court next month.