AN INVERELL father who pleaded guilty to firearms offences after a gun exploded in his son’s hands has escaped with a good behaviour bond.
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Matthew Ridley, 44, fronted Inverell Local Court on two charges stemming from the December 8 incident at a property in Long Plain.
The 11-year-old boy sustained minor injuries to his hands and face while playing with an unsecured gun.
The incident was not reported to police, but officers received information about the shooting four days later.
After a short investigation, police attended the property and seized a number of firearms, including a .22 rifle which was used in the incident.
This week, Ridley pleaded guilty to possessing an unregistered firearm and allowing an unauthorised person to possess a firearm.
Magistrate Michael Holmes convicted the 44-year-old of each offence and ordered him onto a good behaviour bond for 12 months.
Ridley was also fined $1000 for each charge.
