Posted on 11/07/2011 3:34:49 AM PST by marktwain
An antiques firearms collector was jailed for two years after he was found to have four air rifles and ammunition without the correct licences.
When police raided Karl Blennerhassett's luxury flat in Up Holland, West Lancashire, they found more than 140 guns, including racks of rifles and revolvers, a court heard.
Expert examination found that the vast majority were classed as antiques and legally owned but it was the other items which landed him behind bars.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Blennerhassett, who works for his father's tarmacking business, had previously held a firearms certificate.
However, it was revoked in 2008 after he was convicted and fined for failing to comply with its conditions.
Blennerhassett admitted possessing one air rifle without a certificate, which was just over the permitted velocity limit, and was convicted by a jury of illegally possessing three others which had been modified, and two charges of possessing a bullet.
'Each of these three rifles are deemed specially dangerous under the legislation,' said Judge Mark Brown.
'Each was of high specification in that each had been fitted with a sound moderator and telescopic sight. Each had been modified and modified in a very professional way.'
The judge accepted that Blennerhassett had not modified the weapons himself but he did not accept that he had not known they were modified.
'This is a serious case and I am satisfied you were deliberately flouting the provisions of the Firearms Act,' he said.
The judge said Blennerhassett had decided to sidestep the legislation by having the air rifles modified so that it appeared they were legal when in fact they were not.
The police raid last December also uncovered what was described as an "air rifle kit" involving magazines, pellets and compression springs.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
They might need those air rifles once their continent starts to burn.
Another dangerous criminal off the street.
I can understand Britains fear of these guns. When the Muslims finally take complete control they do not want anyone to be armed and able to fight the beneficent immigrant population that will take control their country, formerly the Brits country./s/
I think it was the “two charges of possessing a bullet” that really put it over the edge.
Has the last sane person left Britain?
BIAIDH NO BAS!
THESE are the persecuted refugees we should be allowing into the USA.
Not tons of Mehhicccans and Somalis.
At least the judge didn’t scream “You’ll shoot your eye out!” at him.
When compression springs are outlawed, only outlaws will have compression springs.
However, Judge Brown asked the prosecution to write to the Home Office expressing his concerns over the need for legislation for antique firearms.
I am concerned about guns falling into the wrong hands which can have lethal consequences,' he said.
Advice from an old man: Serve your time son and go West. You would be welcome and feel right at home in Texas. England is finished.
The olde axiom “the Sun never sets on England” has now become “the Sun is setting on England”!
Sir Winston has been forgotten!
All the usual cliches about the UK on this thread as I expected.
I own three guns, I carry them round in my Land Rover and shoot with them weekly. The licences required are simple and easy to comply with, I’ve never had any problems in twenty years of gun ownership. If people are incapable of complying with firearm licences, they shouldn’t own guns.
PS - your old axiom is very wrong. The sun sets on England everyday, it would be most odd if it didn’t. I think the phrase you were seeking was “The sun never sets on the British Empire” which refers to the fact that somewhere in the world it was always daylight on a part of the empire.
I legally own several rifles and handguns without a single permit having been required.
I can carry open or concealed without a permit.
I do have a concealed carry permit simply because it is reconized by several other states which I visit often. There are several areas in the US that have laws similar to the UK, but it is easy to not go there.
And I have many "unregistered bullets."
Do you own a pistol?
I am sure there are many Brits left who are sane enough to see what is happening, In America they would be called Tea Partiers.
Unfortunately they are facing the same opposition Tea Partiers are facing in America.
Politicians who are gutless.
Kinda makes you ponder...
Were the Crusades such a bad idea???
Hindsight being 20/20 of course...hehe
Licensing for air rifles is ridiculous!
As is pretending “compliance” should be taken in stride.
How nice of your government to allow you to comply. And since you licensed them like a good little boy they will be easy for the government to find if they ever decide you don't need them anymore.
If people are incapable of complying with firearm licences, they shouldn’t own guns.
So when the government decides that things are getting too dangerous out there and confiscates your guns (for your own safety, of course)the only ones left armed are the government and the criminals. Even in your fantasy world where only the capable had guns you are still left to the mercy of a bigger, stonger criminal. But don't worry. The government will protect you.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.