A MAN accused of firing a shotgun at ducks in his suburban backyard pool this week has pleaded guilty to several weapons charges.
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Leslie Cook, 72, was arrested and charged after residents in Rata Place at Kariong found holes in windows and shotgun pellets in the rears of their properties.
Investigators established a shot was fired about 2.30pm from a nearby backyard and alleged Mr Cook fired an unregistered shotgun bought more than 20 years ago at ducks paddling in a Jarrah Close pool.
Police alleged the shot was fired to disperse paddling ducks from the pool.
Officers seized the gun and ammunition. The man was arrested and subsequently charged with several firearm offences.
They included firing a gun likely to injure persons or damage property, possessing a gun and ammunition without a licence and failing to safely store a firearm.
Mr Cook was refused bail to face Gosford Local Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to four charges but escaped conviction. He was given a two-year good behaviour bond.
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IN NEWS TODAY:
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
