Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Man gets probation in shotgun case

Shipp gets credit for 21 days behind bars

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By TERRY SMITH
Express Staff Writer

Michael Robert Shipp

A 43-year-old Bellevue man, who was accused of threatening his former wife's boyfriend with a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, was placed on two years probation Monday in Blaine County Magistrate Court.

Michael Robert Shipp was sentenced by Judge Jason Walker after pleading guilty in March to misdemeanor counts of exhibition of a deadly weapon and driving under the influence. He was originally charged with felony aggravated assault.

Blaine County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matt Fredback said during Monday's court hearing that he agreed to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor because there was inconclusive evidence that Shipp actually pointed the weapon at 52-year-old Bradford Dredge.

The incident occurred the evening of Jan. 2 near Dredge's home at the Hayspur Fish Hatchery in southern Blaine County.

Fredback said the incident "stems from a long history of bad blood between them."

"What happened on this evening is that Mr. Shipp took it too far," Fredback said. "He showed up at Mr. Dredge's home, drunk and with a loaded shotgun."

Shipp's attorney, Douglas Nelson, said Shipp had the shotgun with him because he had been trap shooting in Wyoming earlier that day.

Walker also sentenced Shipp to 21 days in jail, but gave him credit for 21 days already spent behind bars.

Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com

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