A 65-year-old Hillston man will face court after allegedly allowing his 14-year-old nephew to use his rifle – a weapon with which the boy accidentally shot himself. It is believed the incident allegedly occurred September 8.

The uncle, a licensed firearm holder, allegedly allowed his nephew to use a .22 calibre rifle on his farm at a property on Mays Road, Hillston.

The teenager was chasing a crow in a paddock when he stumbled, falling and discharged the loaded firearm he was holding into his right elbow.

A .22 calibre round entered the 14-year-old near the right elbow area, exiting two inches after entry.

The boy’s uncle was just over 40 metres away, and ran over to render first aid via compression strategies, before driving the boy to Hillston Hospital with injuries deemed non-life threatening.

The boy was airlifted to Westmead Hospital for further treatment and evaluation.

The 65-year-old man’s firearms and ammunition were taken by police and his firearms licence suspended. The man is to face court, charged with allowing/permitting the minor to possess a firearm.