Hunter who shot friend to stand trial

Bernard Lee (centre) with his wife (left) and William Gillies' widow, Bronwyn (far right), at the funeral in April. Picture / Fotopress

A Taupo man who shot dead his hunting companion of more than 30 years after mistaking him for a deer has been committed to stand trial.

Bernard Lee, 50, appeared in the Taupo District Court yesterday for a depositions hearing on a charge of careless use of a firearm causing the death of William Gillies, aged 55, on April 2.

Briefs of evidence were handed up to Justices of the Peace Tony Israel and Doreen Blyth, and Lee's lawyer, Kevin Ryan, QC, conceded there was a prima facie case.

Mr Ryan spoke out hotly about a bail condition newly introduced by police - that Lee have no association with the Gillies family or witnesses in the case.

"Up until today there has been no such condition," he said.

Lee did not pose any danger and was not required to report regularly to police.

Mr Ryan said it was difficult to cut off communication with Mr Gillies' widow, Bronwyn, when the two families had been close for so long.

Mrs Gillies was in the back of the court during the hearing, sitting apart from Lee's family and supporters.

Mr Ryan said Lee would abide by the instruction so as not to make things difficult for Mrs Gillies.

She had given at least one newspaper a front-page interview saying she felt "really sorry" for her husband's friend and held no animosity towards him.

Married for 31 years, Mrs Gillies had a phone call from Lee telling her he had shot her husband and asking her to ring 111.

Mr Ryan also hit out in court at two police officers who, speaking about the importance of properly identifying a target, had told reporters that the shooting was not accidental because the pulling of a trigger was a deliberate act.

"What a scandalous statement that was," he said angrily. "The police have made quite outrageous statements to the press about this matter. I take umbrage."

Crown prosecutor Fraser Wood declined to respond.

Lee was remanded to the Rotorua District Court on September 7 for a trial date to be set.