The man charged with the careless use of a firearm causing the death of Aucklander Cameron McDonald has appeared in Wellington District Court today.
Christopher Dummer, 54, from Island Bay, Wellington was arrested and charged this morning and appeared in court not long after.
He has been bailed until July 27, must hand all firearms and licences to the police and cannot apply for travel documents.
He fled from court afterwards, leaving quickly in a green station wagon which was waiting for him outside.
McDonald, 29, was fatally shot in April while on a deer hunting trip in Aorangi Forest Park, near Pirinoa in the South Wairarapa.
He was hunting with his friend Doug Williams on the night of April 7 this year. The pair separated whilst stalking a stag and not long after, McDonald was shot.
Police interviewed four Wellington hunters who were in the area at the time, including Mr Dummer.
In 2008, Mr Dummer was the president of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association. He is no longer a member.
The charge has a maximum penalty of three year’s imprisonment and a $4000 fine.
Detective senior sergeant Sean Hansen says they charged Mr Dummer after a lengthy investigation and a legal review about the most appropriate charge.
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