Success in Shotgun licence appeal at Basildon Crown Court

Mr MS was the victim of a road rage incident in which a car containing two males repeatedly tried to ram his car off the road. MS contacted the police via 999 and reported the incident, seeking urgent help. As he made his way home, he told the operator that he was a shotgun licence holder and made a threat that he would shoot the individuals if they entered his home.

As a result of this incident, Police sent officers to MS’s house and his shotguns were seized under Section 12 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988. His shotgun licence was also revoked pursuant to section 30C(1) of The Firearms Act 1968.

The Chief Constable of Essex Police believed that MS would be a danger to public safety or the peace if granted a shotgun licence. Mr MS disagreed, his view was that his conversation with the 999 operator was merely an empty threat in order to try to get police to take his complaint seriously. He did not believe that he would be a danger to public safety or the peace if granted his shotgun licence and wished to retain his licence as he was a keen sports shooter and engaged in shooting for his business promotion activities.

Mr MS instructed specialist barrister Quentin Hunt to conduct his shotgun licence appeal on a direct public access basis. Upon instruction, Quentin lodged an appeal to the Crown Court pursuant to s44 of the Firearms Act 1968.

Quentin was of the view that the appeal had considerable merit and therefore set about producing a comprehensive rebuttal to the concerns raised by the Chief Constable. This was chiefly in the form of the collection and production of documentary and media evidence putting in context the events that led up to the revocation. In addition, Quentin was able to gather a large amount of character evidence showing that MS was far from a danger to public safety and the peace.

The matter was listed for Appeal at the Basildon Crown Court with a one day time estimate. Quentin was able to cross examine a representative of the Chief Constable in order to demonstrate that the concerns raised were without serious foundation. In addition, Quentin deployed significant Defence evidence addressing the circumstances of the 999 call, other background matters of concern raised by the police, and significant Defence evidence showing the good character and safety first approach of MS in respect of his handling and use of firearms.

The court agreed with Quentin's submissions and granted the appeal, MS had his shotgun certificate and guns returned forthwith. MS and his family were delighted and he was able to carry on his beloved sporting activities.

If you have been refused a shotgun licence or if your licence has been revoked, then you will have an automatic right to appeal the decision of the police. Such an appeal can be both legally and factually complicated and it can be best to and sure that expert and skilled representation is in place for any appeal.

Quentin Hunt is a barrister who has over two decades experience in conducting firearms and shotgun licence appeals. He has an excellent reputation in the field and has a formidable track record. Quentin accepts instructions in such cases either through solicitors, or directly from members of the public. He prides himself on a meticulous approach to such appeals and working closely with the client to ensure a good result. If you wish to discuss a shotgun or firearms licence appeal with Quentin then you may contact him for a free, no obligation discussion about how he can help in your case.