You may recall the story of Melinda Zygarlicki who was shot in the chest as she rode across the bridge near Rushall Station in Northcote. Well the dickhead responsible, Andrew Pernell, has received a $6,000 fine and a 100-hour community work order.
[At this point, it would be remiss of me to ignore the fact that the cyclist who collided with James Gould will be (or has been) served with a penalty notice for failing to stop at a red light, which carries a fine variously reported to be $210 or $300.]
According to ABC Online Pernell reckons
he had been sitting on his back doorstep cleaning his rifle and had accidentally fired it when he stood up.
I've already said my piece on the plausibility of that claim. (In fact, I even predicted the I was just cleaning it, honest
excuse.)
Outside court, Pernell admitted his actions were reckless.
I should've been a lot more careful,he said.He says he no longer handles firearms.
And I should bloody-well think so too!
The report doesn't follow-up on Ms Zygarlicki's recovery, but we can only hope that she's doing well, continues to enjoy her cycling—and holds a considerable amount of street-cred with her students.
Think of how you could accidently shoot someone 70m away without
pointing it directly at them? - there is no parabolic flight path involved
Police can only charge for what they can prove - not what they want
Just because you volunteer a to a crime - doesnt mean that you weren't
really trying to do something else
cfsmtb - I'd want you on my side if I ever did something that bad - but i/m not
that stupid
Dear Joe,
Taking "sides" should be left for school playgrounds. If Ms Zygarlicki or the police want to appeal the courts decision they should do so. Or if you wish, get access to the court transcripts and read how the courts finding was arrived at.
Comments
The Vic Police wouldn't gone lightly on Mr. Pernell, the ballistics would of been throughly researched and investigated.
He did voluntarily go to the police, which is commendable, i.e: don't a large number of hit-run incidents etc, require further investigation to flush out the drivers responsible?
Mr. Pernell copped almost twice the fine of Eugene McGee. (100 & 12 months suspended drivers license)
He doesn't handle weapons anymore. (probably lost his Shooters license for 10 years)
Even despite that, he's still a pillock.