Success in Shotgun Licence revocation appeal

Quentin represented Mr TC, an ex-army officer whose shotgun and firearms licences were revoked by the Metropolitan Police following a series of incidents which gave them concern about the holder’s suitability to continue to hold a licence. The licences were revoked under s30(A) and (C) of the firearms Act 1968 (as amended), namely that the holder is of intemperate habits or unsound mind or is otherwise unfitted to be entrusted with a firearm; or that he could not have the guns in his possession without danger to the public safety or to the peace. Mr TC was a responsible member of the community and an avid country sports enthusiast and an active participant in vermin control on local farms.

Quentin submitted an appeal to Southwark Crown Court against this decision of the Police and accordingly submitted a bundle of evidence and character references in support of his application as well as a skeleton argument of legal submissions. Quentin was able to break down the allegations made by the police into separate component parts to demonstrate that the allegations, whether taken individually or as a whole did not amount to enough to satisfy the Court of the statutory tests.

The matter was resisted by the Police and proceeded to a contested two-day appeal hearing before the Southwark Crown Court where a judge, sitting with two justices of the peace came to the decision that Quentin’s client was a fit and suitable person to hold a firearms and shotgun licence and overturned the decision of the Metropolitan Police. Mr TC was immediately reinstated with his licences. 

If you have been refused a shotgun licence or have had your shotgun licence revoked you can contact Quentin for a no obligation discussion about an appeal to Court against the decision.