Shotgun Cert

[chameleon 26]

Just a quick question, a friend lost his shotgun cert a year ago due to an altercation with a local yob, it goes with out saying the yob started it, but when the yob had his butt kicked he had his revenge by ringing the police and pressing charges, it went to court and my friend was done for ABH, so shotgun cert went out of the window, so how long do you think he would have to wait until he could re-apply, or do you think its a dead duck? The problem is that he heard that if he applies to soon it may be detrimental to getting his cert back, so he's reluctant to ring the FAO, any information would be great.

[Colster 1]

It's a tricky one, there are rules regarding time served and issue of a licence (3 years inside = never get a licence) but minor non custodial convictions are seemingly down to the individual interpretation of his FLO/FEO.

 

If he had a good relationship with his FEO, then I'd suggest just ringing him and getting his views. If he only met the guy when he came and swung off the cabinet (not unusual for shotgun cert holders as they never need land checks doing), then I don't know what to suggest.

[JonathanL 4]

Depends. ABH covers a lot of things and the particular circumstances of the incident will determine how likely you are to get it back. Also, previous history will be taken into account; if you have a reputation for being a bad lad but have just never been convicted then this will be taken into account also. So, a relatively minor altercation resulting in an ABH conviction may have been just the thing to tip the balance.

 

Best thing is to write to the cops, explain the situation and ask their opinion as to whether an application would be successful. Writing is always the best way because then you get a reply back in writing.

 

J.