Restaurant owner in court for 'shooting deer dead' in public park

A restaurant owner has appeared in court charged with shooting a firearm in a public park.

William Alldis is accused of killing a deer with a Sako .243 rifle the day after Bonfire Night, Barkingside Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday.

The alleged shooting is said to have happened in Dagnam Park, also known as The Manor, in Romford, Essex, on 6 November last year.

The 40-year-old runs the Cart Shed restaurant in Epping, Essex.

He did not enter a plea at the short hearing before the case was sent to Snaresbrook Crown Court by chairing magistrate Janet Herbert.

Mr Alldis, of Epping, Essex, appeared in court with a beard and wore a dark plaid jacket with a waistcoat and purple tie.

He is charged with possessing a firearm and suitable ammunition in a public place contrary to section 19 and schedule six of the Firearms Act 1968.

He was bailed to appear at a plea trial and preparation hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday 20 March at 9.30am.