Shooting UK

Home
News

| Next

Stolen shotgun leads to £3,000 fine for owner

Shooting equipment should always be locked away securely when not in use.

By Barnaby Dracup

Thursday, 11 March 2010

A man who had a loaded shotgun stolen from his car has been fined £3,000 for not storing it in a secure place and breaching the terms of his shotgun licence.

Stolen shotgun leads to £3,000 fine for owner.
John Jordan, aged 60, of Lower Broadheath, near Worcester, admitted failing to comply with the conditions of his shotgun licence when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

The prosecution said Jordan was working on his farm before leaving the loaded gun on the front passenger seat with the car keys in the ignition.

The conditions of a shotgun licence state shotguns must be locked up securely when not in use.

The prosecution said Jordan had left the gun in the car because his feet were too dirty to walk through the house and put it back in the gun cabinet.

Jordan had called the police when he noticed the shotgun missing from the car. Jordan, representing himself, said he used the gun to scare predators away from his fishing pools.

Jordan told the court he has now fitted a new gun cabinet to avoid having to walk through the house to put it away.

He said: “I can now access the cabinet without making too much mess.”

Jordan was fined £3,000 for failing to comply with the conditions of his shotgun licence.

He was also ordered to pay £60 towards prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Magistrates said they gave Jordan credit for his previous good character and early guilty plea and were satisfied with the measures he has taken to improve his gun storage.

Talk to other readers about shotgun security in the forums!

Countdown to 119th Crufts gamekeeper gundog classes

In just four days time, working gundogs from acros...

Gamekeepers reject call for extended cull

The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s recent call to ...

Gundogs Training

Gundog disipline - how much is too much?

I was recently pulled up by a professional trainer for giving my gundo... Read more

Gundogs Events

Wye Valley at Ravenhill Court

The Wye Valley Retriever Club held working tests at Ravenhill Court, L... Read more

Gundogs Health

Is my gundog schizophrenic?

My lab is a sweetie but is often defiant.... Read more

Comments

Matthew

Wed, 17th Mar 2010 16:05:41

I am a lawyer and I think the fine in this case is ridiculously high. What happened was serious but it was a moment's lapse by a person who is not a "criminal". This sort of thing brings the law itself into disrepute. I would certainly appeal against the sentence. Ignorant and no doubt "anti-gun" magistrates IMHO.

David Ralley- Davies

Mon, 15th Mar 2010 09:32:46

This is a sign of the times, look at the states, we will soon be governed by the same strict rules for gun transportation. I have invested in a truck vault drawer for my vehicle, for more info please contact me. David

john hunt

Thu, 11th Mar 2010 22:07:18

What a bloody fool... Sorry but this guy should have lost his licence, muddy feet is no excuse for this total lack of regard to the law & privilidge of holding a shotgun or any other firearms licence,no one is perfect but to leave a loaded gun in an unlocked vehicle...

Shooting Gazette February 2012

A SPORTING TEAM: Enjoy all of the best shooting commentary with driven shooting's finest journal.

Sporting Gun March 2012

ON SALE NOW! £3.60

The Field February 2012 issue

Scottish geese, Icelandic ptarmigan, African tigerfish

Shooting Times & Country Magazine

Don't miss this week's issue (on sale Wednesday 1st February). FREE PRIZE DRAW - it is week 3 of our great "Gun a Week" competition, see P53 for further details and how to enter! Plus, who is top dog? Paul Rawlings reports on the 2012 Cocker Spaniel Championship. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy today!