Millward (53), of Central Avenue, shot his employer and associate John Carter (63), of Roderick Avenue, in the left arm and in the hand on 6th September last year –– but denies attempting to murder him.

He has, however, admitted wounding with intent and possessing a firearm.

The court was told that Millward had previously worked at Nuthall Lodge Hotel in Nuthall –– but when it closed he continued to work for Mr Carter as a gardener.

It was alleged that Mr Carter had asked Millward to keep £54,000 in 2006 because he was having marital problems and wanted him to hide the money.

Millward kept some of the cash at his house but returned it in small quantities to Mr Carter when he asked for it.

In giving evidence, Millward told the court how his boss had asked him get a passport using photos of Mr Carter but in Millward's name, and had given him the pictures to do so.

But Millward said he had no intention of doing this.

The court was told that on 6th September Millward went to a meeting at Ashfield District Council at around 2pm before going to work at Kirkby market.

At around 5.30pm, Mr Carter arrived at the market and helped Millward to clear away. He then asked Millward to come to a meeting at his home on Roderick Avenue.

The court was told that by this point Millward was in possession of the sawn-off shot gun, which he had previously buried, before his meeting at the council.

At Mr Carter's house, Millward allegedly pulled out the gun and put it on his lap. Mr Carter made a phone call and when he had finished Millward told him to stop using the phone.

When Mr Carter started tapping in another number Millward shot him in the arm before re-loading it and shooting him in the hand.

Said Millward: "I couldn't find the words to say stop so I picked up the gun and shot him in the arm."

During cross-examination, prosecutor Ian Way asked why Millward had taken the gun to the house. Millward said he was frightened of Mr Carter and later said that he believed he was a drug trafficker.

Mr Way then asked why he had gone to the house in the first place and Millward replied that he felt he had no choice because Mr Carter had post-poned a flight to Holland and that he was sure he would find him.

The case continues.
ENDS