Hunter who accidentally shot friend discharged

A Rotorua man who accidentally shot a friend on a hunting trip has been discharged without conviction.

At Rotorua District Court, Judge James Weir discharged 19-year-old Philip Rennie after he pleaded guilty to careless use of a firearm, saying Rennie was extremely remorseful.

The bullet lodged in the side of the friend, who spent four days in hospital with Rennie at his bedside most of the time.