Chad James Wilcockson, aged 38, of Mulawa Street, Toronto – formerly of Pyramul – was given an 18-month suspended jail sentence, ordered to perform 120 hours community service, and fined a total of $1600.

At about 6pm on July 17 last year, the victim of the matter and a witness were using a rifle to shoo kangaroos off of their property.

They then heard another gunshot come from the road, about 140m away, which hit the mud around two metres from where they were standing.

Wilcockson was also heard yelling at them and when they saw him they went to his family’s home.

He arrived at the location soon after and began yelling at them again before getting the shovel.

Wilcockson ran at the victim and hit him in the arm with it.

Emergency services were called and upon their arrival the victim had his arm in a sling with blood seeping through the dressing and was still bleeding a significant time after the incident.

It was later determined that he’d suffered a fracture.

Wilcockson told police that he didn’t know where the bullet would hit.

His legal-aid solicitor, Ingrid Bown, told the court that her client admits it was a “very serious offence” and the potential consequences.

Magistrate Terry Lucas told him, “the plea of guilty is the only thing saving you from jail today”.