Henry Worsp
A Rotorua man who shot dead his hunting partner and
friend James Dodds after mistaking him for a stag has been
sentenced to six months' home detention and 250 hours'
community work.
Henry Robert Worsp, 36, was sentenced in the Rotorua District
Court today having earlier admitted causing the death of Mr
Dodds by careless use of a firearm, namely a .270 calibre
Sako rifle.
The incident happened on September 7 last year when Worsp, an
outdoor safety and emergency management consultant, and Mr
Dodds, a well-known Rotorua mountain biker and adventure
sports businessman, were out hunting near the Waikite Valley.
According to the police summary of facts, after becoming
separated from Mr Dodds, Worsp saw something he thought was a
fallow stag. He checked his target and looked at it through
the scope on his rifle before shooting.
He then walked over to the target, realised it was his friend
and tried to administer first aid but Mr Dodds had died
instantly.
- By Katie Holland of The Daily Post
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.