Quentin wins shotgun licence appeal for man convicted of GBH.

Mr HD is a company director who has a passion for sports shooting. Despite having a number of previous convictions he wished to hold a shotgun licence in order that he could pursue his hobby and forge valuable business contacts.

HD applied to the Norfolk Constabulary for a shotgun certificate. This application was refused by the Chief Constable on the basis that he felt that Mr HD was ‘a danger to public safety or the peace’ if he was granted a shotgun certificate. The application was therefore refused under s28 of the Firearms Act 1968.

HD wished to appeal the refusal of his licence and, upon a recommendation, instructed specialist Shotgun Licence Appeals Barrister Quentin Hunt on a direct public access basis.

Quentin sent about lodging an appeal pursuant to s44 of the Firearms Act 1968, he also agreed a series of directions with the Police and the Court in accordance with recent judicial guidance from the Court of Appeal.

Upon receiving the bundle submitted by the Police it was discovered that HD had a somewhat chequered past with a catalogue of Police interventions, the most serious of which was a prison sentence for biting off part of a man’s ear during a fight in a nightclub. This had resulted in a conviction for Assault occasioning Grievous Bodily Harm.

In response to the Police’s evidence Quentin set about putting together an impressive bundle of evidence on behalf of the appellant that included evidence relating to the various incidents involving the Police and convictions as well as evidence relating to character from friends., family and acquaintances. The purpose of this was to strengthen Quentin’s position that Although HD may have a somewhat questionable past, he is no longer the same person and does not currently pose any danger and would not if granted his shotgun licence.

The matter came before the Norwich Crown Court for hearing. The police called evidence and their witnesses were expertly cross examined by Quentin in order to demonstrate that their fears about HD were misguided. Mr HD himself also gave evidence.

The Court in their ruling allowed HD a shotgun licence. The judge agreeing with Quentin that despite his chequered past HD was a reformed man and no longer presented any risk to the public or public safety if granted a shotgun licence. HD was delighted. 

If you find yourself having been refused a shotgun licence or if your shotgun or firearms licence has been revoked you may wish to employ specialist representation. Quentin Hunt is an award winning Barrister with many decades experience of shotgun licence appeals. Quentin accepts instructions either through solicitors or directly from members of the public. You may contact Quentin for a free no obligation conversation about your case.