22yo given second shot

Man fined, allowed to keep weapons, after firing rifle in public place

A MAN who fired a rifle at a public camping reserve has been given the benefit of the doubt by a magistrate who did not order the destruction of his weapons.

Cameron William Forbes, 22, pleaded guilty in the Charters Towers Magistrates Court to discharging a weapon in a public place, failing to store ammunition in a secure container and failing to securely lock his weapons in a fixed metal container.

The court heard police were called to Flat Rock recreational reserve near Charters Towers at 10.15am on August 7 after reports that shots had been fired.

When police arrived they spoke with Forbes, who said he had discharged the firearm.

“There is a risk of harm to persons given the defendant discharged the firearms in a public reserve,” police prosecutor Nicole Butler said.

During a search of his vehicle, Forbes was found to be in possession of a Savage 223 bolt action rifle and a Remington bolt action rifle as well as more than 200 bullets, which were seized by officers.

Ms Butler said police found the firearms on the back seat of the vehicle, partially covered by camping equipment and bags.

The bolts of both rifles had been removed and were in the front of the vehicle.

Defence solicitor Kate

Koelmeyer said Forbes worked on a cattle station and held a gun licence because he needed it for his job.

“He did not realise he was in a public place and had been told by friends he was not in a public place,” Ms Koelmeyer said.

“He did not realise his actions were dangerous.

“He did not realise his obligations in regards to the storage of weapons, but he does now understand.”

Magistrate Steven Mosch told Forbes that under the Weapons Act it was incumbent for him to know all of the requirements.

“Clearly you have to be very careful about where you are discharging a firearm to ensure there isn’t any risk to the public,” Mr Mosch said.

“It’s concerning you had two firearms and a large amount of ammunition, and not stored securely as required, under the Weapons Act.

“There’s a real risk when firearms and ammunition are not carefully secured.”

Mr Mosch fined Forbes $1500, with no conviction recorded.

He ordered the ammunition be forfeited to the Crown for destruction and that Forbes be allowed to get the rifles back from the police.

“Given this is your first offence I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt,” Mr Mosch said.