Police recount how hunter accidentally shot friend in head

A hunter was aiming at a starling when his friend suddenly stood up and was accidently hit in the head, a court heard yesterday.

Darren Bonnici, who was 28 at the time, and Kyle Gili, who was 20, were hunting in Żabbar in an area known as Il-Foss when the incident happened on January 20, 2010.

Mr Bonnici is pleading not guilty to causing serious injury through negligence, illegally hunting in a sanctuary and being in possession of a firearm inside a sanctuary.

Police Inspector Fabian Fleri and Superintendent Carmelo Bartolo testified that Mr Bonnici had recounted to them that he and his friend were resting behind a rubble wall after having shot a common starling when Mr Gili alerted him to another bird and he took aim.

Mr Bonnici told the police he fired a first shot and then trailed the bird with the barrel of his gun. Then, as he pulled the trigger for the second shot, Mr Gili for some reason stood up and was hit in the head, the accused had said.

Mr Gili fell to the ground and Mr Bonnici told the police that at first he thought that his friend was joking but when he saw the blood he soon realised what had happened and phoned for help.

The officers testified that the men were friends and had no prior disagreement.

Police Inspector Robert Said Sarreo prosecuted.

Lawyer Anġlu Farrugia appeared for Mr Bonnici.

The case continues.