Dennis Dundas listens to his arraignment proceedings at Windsor Superior Court in White River Junction, Vt., on April 27, 2015. Dundas pleaded not guilty to the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting of Donald Giovanella of East Bethel, Vt. (Valley News - Sarah Priestap) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.
Dennis Dundas listens to his arraignment proceedings at Windsor Superior Court in White River Junction, Vt., on April 27, 2015. Dundas pleaded not guilty to the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting of Donald Giovanella of East Bethel, Vt. (Valley News - Sarah Priestap) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.

White River Junction — A 68-year-old East Bethel man accused of shooting and injuring his friend during a fight that started over a bottle of brandy will proceed to trial on an aggravated assault with a weapon charge.

Dennis Dundas pleaded not guilty to the felony-level offense in April 2015, saying he acted in self-defense when he shot Donald Giovanella three times at Dundas’ Route 14 home.

Dundas is scheduled to stand trial in Windsor Superior Court on Dec. 14, 21 and 22.

Dundas remains out on bail and conditions of release, including that he not have contact with the 48-year-old Giovanella.

The state alleges Dundas broke that condition in March and a prosecutor charged him with a misdemeanor count of violating his conditions of release.

According to documents filed in the White River Junction courthouse, Dundas allegedly harassed Giovanella when Giovanella walked by his house. Dundas, however, maintains his innocence.

Dundas is represented by Essex Junction-based attorney Daniel Maguire in both matters.

Dundas and Giovanella, who have had a rocky past, were having drinks at Dundas’ home in April 2015 when Giovanella threatened to leave with Dundas’ bottle of brandy, according to an affidavit filed with Dundas’ original court case.

Dundas told police Giovanella started “acting crazy,” grabbing his arms and neck and threatening to kill him, prompting Dundas to pick up his nearby handgun. When Giovanella wrestled Dundas for the gun, Dundas shot Giovanella three times, the affidavit says.

Dundas told police he didn’t want to shoot Giovanella but that he was left with no other choice.

Giovanella suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. According to documents Giovanella filed in court in March, he has a bullet lodged in his spine and to this day doesn’t feel safe.