WHEN police pulled a ute over near Jindabyne they discovered a passenger with a loaded, 'actioned' rifle with a silencer pointing out of the window. When he got out and turned towards the police, one officer drew his pistol and 'covered' the man from the 'ready' position.
He dropped the rifle and kicked it under the vehicle.
As a result, Timothy Raymond Caldwell, 50, of Jindabyne, faced five firearms charges at Cooma Local Court on February 6. These included possessing an unregistered firearm, possessing a loaded firearm, handling/using a firearm under the influence of alcohol, possessing/using a prohibited weapon, and possessing an unauthorised firearm.
He was fined a total of $1,000 and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. The offences happened at night on a section of Barry Way near farm houses in October last year.
Police evidence was that he was affected by alcohol, having consumed nine beers that night.
He said he had been hunting deer.
Police rendered the .22 calibre bolt action rifle safe, ejecting a round. They found spent ammunition and empty and full beer bottles inside the vehicle.
Nearby residents had reported concerns about illegal shooting and loss of stock.
The Court heard of Mr Caldwell's extensive community work. He submitted his deep regret over the incident and said he would never touch any type of gun again.