bloodrayne
10-07-2005, 12:54 PM
Grandpa Shoots Neighbour Over Loud Music-Says He Would Have Kept Shooting, But Gun Jammed
Australia - A mild-mannered Geelong grandfather yesterday admitted shooting his next door neighbour eight times for playing loud music.
Ernest William Showell had lived for 76 years without a criminal record when he lost his cool and started taking pot-shots at his 26-year-old neighbour.
The Supreme Court sitting in Geelong heard he later told another neighbour he would "never have to worry about that bloke playing loud music again".
But his victim survived - despite being hit with eight .32 calibre bullets.
An earlier court hearing was told Nick Kenfield had set up speakers next to a spa in his yard and long-suffering locals were unhappy about the loud music and parties.
After the shooting Showell said he would have fired more bullets if his pistol hadn't jammed.
He told his victim he was going to kill him before shooting him in the chest.
The wounded Mr Kenfield ran to the nearby Bareena Bowls Club chased by Showell, who hit him seven more times before the gun jammed.
Prosecutor Doug Trapnell said Showell continued to shoot at Mr Kenfield even after his victim sought refuge among bowlers at the club.
At one point during the attack Mr Kenfield ran at Showell saying, "If you are going to shoot me, then shoot me".
Showell then fired two shots into the victim's chest from close range, then one more while he was lying on the ground.
Mr Kenfield escaped into the clubhouse after running across the bowling green leaving a trail of blood, the court heard.
Showell said to a bowler, "I'm 76 and the gun has jammed," before walking back to his house and putting the gun down.
Before he was arrested Showell said he couldn't care if police shot him.
When police arrived they found Showell waiting quietly for them.
He had earlier denied several charges, but yesterday pleaded guilty to intentionally causing serious injury, and possessing an unregistered pistol.
Defence barrister Leonard Hartnett said his client had dementia which affected his judgment and reasoning.
Showell, who has been on bail since February, will remain at liberty until his sentencing next Tuesday.
Australia - A mild-mannered Geelong grandfather yesterday admitted shooting his next door neighbour eight times for playing loud music.
Ernest William Showell had lived for 76 years without a criminal record when he lost his cool and started taking pot-shots at his 26-year-old neighbour.
The Supreme Court sitting in Geelong heard he later told another neighbour he would "never have to worry about that bloke playing loud music again".
But his victim survived - despite being hit with eight .32 calibre bullets.
An earlier court hearing was told Nick Kenfield had set up speakers next to a spa in his yard and long-suffering locals were unhappy about the loud music and parties.
After the shooting Showell said he would have fired more bullets if his pistol hadn't jammed.
He told his victim he was going to kill him before shooting him in the chest.
The wounded Mr Kenfield ran to the nearby Bareena Bowls Club chased by Showell, who hit him seven more times before the gun jammed.
Prosecutor Doug Trapnell said Showell continued to shoot at Mr Kenfield even after his victim sought refuge among bowlers at the club.
At one point during the attack Mr Kenfield ran at Showell saying, "If you are going to shoot me, then shoot me".
Showell then fired two shots into the victim's chest from close range, then one more while he was lying on the ground.
Mr Kenfield escaped into the clubhouse after running across the bowling green leaving a trail of blood, the court heard.
Showell said to a bowler, "I'm 76 and the gun has jammed," before walking back to his house and putting the gun down.
Before he was arrested Showell said he couldn't care if police shot him.
When police arrived they found Showell waiting quietly for them.
He had earlier denied several charges, but yesterday pleaded guilty to intentionally causing serious injury, and possessing an unregistered pistol.
Defence barrister Leonard Hartnett said his client had dementia which affected his judgment and reasoning.
Showell, who has been on bail since February, will remain at liberty until his sentencing next Tuesday.