AJAX HUNTER FINED $5K AFTER SHOOTING DEER FROM ROADSIDE

An Ajax man has been fined $5,000 and had his hunting licence suspended for one year after being convicted of shooting a deer from the roadside after stopping his vehicle in Peterborough County.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Richard Rosborough of Ajax pleaded guilty to careless use of a firearm while hunting during a court hearing held remotely on Feb. 6.

As well as the fine and licence suspension, Rosborough will also be required to retake a hunter education course.

Court heard on that on Nov. 3, 2020, a conservation officer received a complaint from a third party who witnessed a man shooting a firearm from Preston Road

in Peterborough County. The court was told that Rosborough was driving his truck along Preston Road when he observed a deer standing on private property where he did not have permission to hunt. Rosborough exited his vehicle and while standing in the travelled portion of the roadway, fired two shots at the deer, killing it.

He made no effort to retrieve the deer, the court heard.

"Rosborough showed no concern for public safety when he discharged his firearm from a winding public road onto a property containing a driveway and a cottage," said the ministry in a release.

Justice of the peace Jason Mariasine heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, call 1-877-8477667. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.