Webley Boy
Well-Known Member
You would think that we have enough criminals in this country without the Government making some more, but that is precisely what they are about to do.
Under the new Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (which comes into force on 14th July) it will now be an offence for anyone who is prohibited from owning a firearm under Section 21 of the 1968 Act, to be in possession of an 'antique' gun classified under Section 58 of the act (obsolete calibre or pre 1939 muzzle loading gun).
To clarify, S21 of the 1968 Act prohibits persons who have been sentenced to prison etc for 3 years or more, from ever being in possession of a gun (even so far as picking one up). Those who have been sentenced between 3 months and 3 years are prohibited for five years.
So, here is a fictitious example: Joe Bloggs was a naughty boy in his younger days being led astray by his mates. He was caught thieving or some similar offence and was convicted and sentenced to 3 years inside. He was a good boy inside and released early. He learned the errors of his ways and for the last 20 years has been a model citizen. He always had an interest in guns (especially antique ones) and has been collecting them for years. Being the model citizen he is, he has never fired them as this would be illegal.
If, on July the 14th, he does not hand them in, he will be a criminal again. How just is that? How will this prevent the real criminal from obtaining guns and using them in crime?
Under the new Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (which comes into force on 14th July) it will now be an offence for anyone who is prohibited from owning a firearm under Section 21 of the 1968 Act, to be in possession of an 'antique' gun classified under Section 58 of the act (obsolete calibre or pre 1939 muzzle loading gun).
To clarify, S21 of the 1968 Act prohibits persons who have been sentenced to prison etc for 3 years or more, from ever being in possession of a gun (even so far as picking one up). Those who have been sentenced between 3 months and 3 years are prohibited for five years.
So, here is a fictitious example: Joe Bloggs was a naughty boy in his younger days being led astray by his mates. He was caught thieving or some similar offence and was convicted and sentenced to 3 years inside. He was a good boy inside and released early. He learned the errors of his ways and for the last 20 years has been a model citizen. He always had an interest in guns (especially antique ones) and has been collecting them for years. Being the model citizen he is, he has never fired them as this would be illegal.
If, on July the 14th, he does not hand them in, he will be a criminal again. How just is that? How will this prevent the real criminal from obtaining guns and using them in crime?