Key Takeaways
- Paul William John Stevens, a 39-year-old man from Ashburton, has pleaded guilty to carelessly using a firearm, causing the death of 21-year-old Jock Davies on Stewart Island.
- Stevens used a.308 rifle, which resulted in Davies’ death during a hunting trip in the remote Lords River area.
- The victim’s family was present in court and Stevens has expressed willingness to undergo the restorative justice process with them.
- Davies had survived two battles with leukemia before his death, and his community has described him as a "bloody good guy" who endured an "especially cruel" death.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred on Stewart Island, resulting in the death of 21-year-old Jock Davies. The man responsible, Paul William John Stevens, has pleaded guilty to carelessly using a firearm, causing Davies’ death. Stevens, a 39-year-old builder from Ashburton, entered his guilty plea in the Invercargill District Court. His counsel, Grant Fletcher, stated that Stevens was "more than willing" to undergo the restorative justice process with the victim’s family, who were present in the gallery. This process is a significant step towards healing and closure for all parties involved.
The Hunting Trip and the Incident
The incident occurred on July 5, when emergency services were notified that Davies had been shot by a member of his own hunting party in the remote Lords River area on Rakiura / Stewart Island. A search and rescue team was dispatched to the island via helicopter, but unfortunately, Davies was pronounced dead upon their arrival. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated, but it is clear that the use of a.308 rifle by Stevens resulted in the tragic outcome. The fact that Davies was shot by a member of his own hunting party makes the incident even more devastating, highlighting the importance of firearm safety and responsible hunting practices.
The Victim’s Background
Jock Davies was a young man from a well-known Tapanui family, who had already faced significant challenges in his life. He had survived two battles with leukemia, first diagnosed in 2013 and again in 2018. During his second bout with the disease, Davies spent three months at Ronald McDonald House in Auckland, where he received a bone marrow transplant. His community has described him as a "bloody good guy" who endured an "especially cruel" death, given all that he had already been through. Clutha district councillor John Herbert expressed his condolences, stating that no family should have to go through such a tragedy, especially after all that Davies and his family had endured.
The Aftermath and Sentencing
Stevens was remanded at large on bail until his sentencing in March. The fact that he pleaded guilty to the charge of carelessly using a firearm, causing death, suggests that he is taking responsibility for his actions. The restorative justice process, which Stevens has expressed willingness to undergo, will provide an opportunity for him to confront the consequences of his actions and work towards making amends with the victim’s family. The sentencing in March will determine the appropriate punishment for Stevens, taking into account the severity of the incident and the impact it has had on the community.
Conclusion and Reflection
The death of Jock Davies is a tragic reminder of the importance of responsible firearm use and the need for caution when engaging in hunting activities. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and the fact that Davies had already overcome significant challenges in his life makes his death even more devastating. As the community comes to terms with this tragedy, it is essential to remember the importance of supporting those affected and working towards preventing similar incidents in the future. The guilty plea and willingness to undergo restorative justice by Stevens are significant steps towards healing and closure, but the road to recovery will be long and challenging for all parties involved.