22 Mar 2018

New Caledonia man jailed for shooting could be free in weeks

7:20 am on 22 March 2018

Reports from New Caledonia say a 57-year-old man jailed for a year this week for shooting and injuring a minor may be freed within two weeks.

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Photo: AFP

This followed a mass protest outside the French High Commission by his supporters who objected to the shooter being imprisoned.

Last month, the man had fired his rifle at stolen cars, hitting a vehicle occupant who is reportedly still in hospital and unable to walk.

On Tuesday, the criminal court in Noumea gave him a five-year jail sentence of which four are suspended.

However, after demonstrators met representatives of the French High Commission, they were told the sentence may be adjusted and the shooter freed.

The shooting occurred in early March during a week of community protest at lawlessness when schools and public services in Canala had been closed.