Rifle Club Captain Charged with Manslaughter After Tragic Pig Hunting Accident That Left Friend Dead
- A 63-year-old rifle club captain has been charged with manslaughter after a fatal shooting incident during a pig hunt in the Upper Hunter.
- John Butcher, a experienced hunter and captain of the Cessnock Rifle Club, allegedly shot his 71-year-old friend with a ricocheted bullet.
- The victim, a friend of Butcher’s for 45 years, was on a quad bike in long grass when he was fatally shot, with the accused immediately calling triple-0 and staying with his wounded friend.
In a tragic turn of events, a pig hunting trip in the Upper Hunter has ended in devastating consequences, with a 63-year-old rifle club captain charged with manslaughter over the fatal shooting of his 71-year-old friend.
John Butcher, a seasoned hunter and captain of the Cessnock Rifle Club, faced court on Thursday morning, with his lawyer, Isabel Reed, telling the court that her client was “absolutely devastated” by the incident.
According to police, Butcher was hunting pigs with his friend on a property at Cassilis on Wednesday morning when the incident occurred. The court heard that the victim was on a quad bike in long grass when he was fatally shot, with the bullet allegedly ricocheting off the ground and into the long grass.
Ms Reed told the court that Butcher had “no idea” his friend was in the area and had taken “due care” during the hunt. “It’s my submission that it’s an accident,” she said.
In a dramatic turn of events, Butcher immediately called triple-0 and stayed with his wounded friend for two hours until police arrived. He was granted bail on the condition that he not use firearms and report to police at Cessnock once a week.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many left reeling from the tragic events. As the investigation continues, the family and friends of the victim are left to come to terms with the devastating loss.
Butcher will face court again on December 3, with the incident set to raise questions about gun safety and the dangers of hunting.