Granny shoots at son-in-law in mistaken belief he is sexually abusing granddaughter on Gold Coast

A VIGILANTE granny who shot at her son-in-law during a dramatic confrontation at Nerang has explained to the court why she fired the weapon at him.

Miriam Eason, 51, pleaded guilty to shooting at her son-in-law. Photo: Regi Varghese

A VIGILANTE granny who shot at her son-in-law because she mistakenly believed he sexually abused her granddaughter has been remanded in custody while her punishment is determined.

Miriam Eason, 53, pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court for two counts of dangerous conduct using a weapon and possessing a weapon.

The grandmother has been remanded in custody until next week while Judge Catherine Muir considers her sentence.

Miriam Eason leaves the watch-house after being charged. Photo: Regi Varghese

Eason fired two shots at son-in-law, Michael Howarth, in March 2016 at home in Nerang after she came to the “honest belief” her granddaughter was being sexually abused.

She was just two and a half metres away from Mr Howath, but missed.

She fired a further four shots with the handgun into the air when her daughter came running from the home.

No one was injured in the incident.

Police at the scene of the Nerang shooting. Pic by Richard Gosling

Defence barrister Mal Harrison said Eason had been sexually abused as a child.

He said she thought the same was happening to her granddaughter.

“She took it up with the government department, her daughter and her daughter’s father,” Mr Harrison said.

“There was a level of vigilantism (in the shooting).”

Ms Muir adjourned the matter to March 15 to consider what sentence to impose.

The maximum penalty is seven years imprisonment.