14 Nov 2012

Hunter admits killing companion

4:49 pm on 14 November 2012

A man charged with causing the death of his hunting companion south of Rotorua has pleaded guilty.

James Dodds was fatally shot while deer stalking in the Paeroa Ranges in September.

Henry Worsp, 36, was convicted in the Rotorua District Court on Wednesday of causing the death by carelessly using a firearm.

In the summary of facts, police said Mr Worsp was convinced he had shot a deer.

They said they believed he mistook a crouched-down Mr Dodds was for a fallow deer and a fern hanging down nearby for its antlers.

Mr Dodds' wife was in court for the hearing.

Henry Worsp was remanded on bail and will be sentenced in the same court on 10 January.