mick silver
22nd February 2009, 23:18
The 77-year-old man who shot an alleged intruder in Herne Hill last week has expressed relief that police have found he acted lawfully in shooting the man and will not be charged.
Speaking through his granddaughter Belinda Coniglio, Eugenio Valenti said his peace had been disrupted and he was deeply traumatised by the events.
“He is obviously very relieved at the news… it shows the police have looked at the facts of what happened and he acted in self defence so he is very relieved at that,” Ms Coniglio said.
“I think it sends a strong message that we need to be safe in our own homes.”
Ms Coniglio said there were no words to describe what her grandfather was feeling.
She said the family had received “phenomenal support from the public” and they wanted to thank everyone for their messages.
“As you can understand it has been a very difficult and very traumatic time on the family and in particular my grandfather and we just want to thank everyone for their support of him and the family,” Ms Coniglio said.
This morning police said Mr Valenti's actions were not unlawful when his firearm was discharged during a struggle.
East Metro inspector Bill Munnee said Mr Valenti was "entirely justified" in defending himself and his bedridden wife at their home in Herne Hill.
"He will not be charged," Inspector Munnee said.
Inspector Munnee said the two alleged offenders confirmed Mr Valenti's version of events.
Mr Valenti shot the man after he allegedly forced his way into a locked bedroom, where Mr Valenti had taken refuge with his incapacitated wife, Maria.
The elderly couple were asleep when the men broke into their winery, Vino Italia, in Campersic Road, through a back door about 9.40pm on Wednesday.
Police have charged two men, aged 18 and 35, over the break-in.
PERTH
JAYNE RICKARDhttp http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=126282
Speaking through his granddaughter Belinda Coniglio, Eugenio Valenti said his peace had been disrupted and he was deeply traumatised by the events.
“He is obviously very relieved at the news… it shows the police have looked at the facts of what happened and he acted in self defence so he is very relieved at that,” Ms Coniglio said.
“I think it sends a strong message that we need to be safe in our own homes.”
Ms Coniglio said there were no words to describe what her grandfather was feeling.
She said the family had received “phenomenal support from the public” and they wanted to thank everyone for their messages.
“As you can understand it has been a very difficult and very traumatic time on the family and in particular my grandfather and we just want to thank everyone for their support of him and the family,” Ms Coniglio said.
This morning police said Mr Valenti's actions were not unlawful when his firearm was discharged during a struggle.
East Metro inspector Bill Munnee said Mr Valenti was "entirely justified" in defending himself and his bedridden wife at their home in Herne Hill.
"He will not be charged," Inspector Munnee said.
Inspector Munnee said the two alleged offenders confirmed Mr Valenti's version of events.
Mr Valenti shot the man after he allegedly forced his way into a locked bedroom, where Mr Valenti had taken refuge with his incapacitated wife, Maria.
The elderly couple were asleep when the men broke into their winery, Vino Italia, in Campersic Road, through a back door about 9.40pm on Wednesday.
Police have charged two men, aged 18 and 35, over the break-in.
PERTH
JAYNE RICKARDhttp http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=126282