Robert Riggs left his rifle outside its gun cabinet while away on holiday.
A 19-year-old man is to appear in court next month accused of leaving two people permanently scarred.
Appearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday, David Edwards, of South Street, Mintlaw, pleaded not guilty to an offence of assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement relating to an incident alleged to have taken place in Pitmedden in March.
He also pleaded not guilty to accusations of carrying out an assault to injury and permanent impairment on the streets of Cove in June.
Edwards has lodged a special defence of self-defence.
Cole Morrison, 19, of Stronsay Crescent, Aberdeen, and 20-year-old Kyle Milne of the city’s Lochinch Park, also stand accused of involvement in the March attack.
The hearing was adjourned until a later date.
Three in court accused of north-east assaults which left victims permanently scarred
