Jimny(off-road) Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Hi all I have just been refused my sgc, I have been shooting since a young lad and have always gone with my dad who had a sgc, my dad has sadly passed away so thought I'd try for my own, I do have a police record (abh) but I have been a good boy for 11 years now they refused me saying I was a danger to the public!!! I would go for appeal but it involves going to crown court, for a solicitor to represent me it would cost £2000 at least and not just that if I lose the appeal I'm liable to pay court fees so basically that's not an option so sadly there goes my shotgun days. Cheers all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martyn2233 Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Sorry to hear that are you with basc if do ask for help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I agree with Martin2233. You should in any event be a member of BASC or the Countryside Alliance. The former will I am sure be able to help your case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Sorry to hear that are you with basc if do ask for help As above. This is where BASC could possibly help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malantone Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 (edited) I know nothing about you Jimny, the Police need very good reason to refuse a grant, I wouldn`t have thought one GBH 11yrs ago would be enough, unless it was particularly vicious and led to you going to jail for a long time, serving 3yrs or more will incur a lifetime ban from carrying a firearm. You say you`ve been a good boy, have you a reputation as a fighter?? and never been prosecuted?? I feel sure a policeman has had a say in the refusal, Having said that the mass killer Derek Bird was granted a certificate after local police saying they would not give him one. Edited October 23, 2015 by malantone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guinty1 Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 You will find 3 months to three years is a five year ban over three years is a lifetime ban, see section 21 of firearms act 1968. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southeastpete Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Did your abh involve a weapon of any sort? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimny(off-road) Posted October 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 (edited) I was given 18 months for abh but got out after 15 months for good behaviour so I'm not banned from owning a firearm, I did get in trouble a few times for fighting but like I say I've not had any issues since 2004. I'm not a member with basc but I did get in touch with them and they said they don't always take cases on and they couldn't tell me anything because I'm not a member. I did get the visit from the Feo he seemed happy with my cabinet and my shooting experience so I thought it was looking good Edited October 22, 2015 by Jimny(off-road) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Police are between a rock and a hard place on this. If they DO grant you one and you flip they'll be for the high jump with the papers. If they DON'T give you one then you'll play up. I suppose they just take the easiest option and hope you can't afford to appeal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I would join a clay pigeon club (and i mean join-not just turn up as and when you feel),attend regularly using their shotguns then re-apply in 2 years. Give them proof that you're serious and not a menace to the public and go from there. You're not prohibited from handling firearms & ammunition so neither the club or yourself would not be breaking any laws. Join BASC or CA and seek their advice too. Apart from appealing at court,you have very little options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimny(off-road) Posted October 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 If I did have the money to do it, I'd definitely do it, what happened to rehabilitation! They're alright allowing Harry Roberts ( 3 cop killer) to have a driving licence what if he lost it in a road rage incident and used his car as a weapon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimny(off-road) Posted October 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Cheers for your advice, i don't think experience is a problem that wasn't mentioned in the letter, I do go a few times a month with a couple of pals who are experienced sgc holders but it's not the same as getting up on a morning and going off your own back rather than waiting for an invite! I do have permission myself at a few farms so it's only a sg I need!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Have you written back asking why, after 11 years calm and trouble free, you would suddenly be a danger to the public ? What grounds to they base this theory on ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Cheers for your advice, i don't think experience is a problem that wasn't mentioned in the letter, I do go a few times a month with a couple of pals who are experienced sgc holders but it's not the same as getting up on a morning and going off your own back rather than waiting for an invite! I do have permission myself at a few farms so it's only a sg I need!! Its not the experience you would be proving-its dedication. Attending regularly for a significant amount of time would show you're dedicated. I know it sounds like a long winded way of getting your SGC,but i dont see another option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I was given 18 months for abh but got out after 15 months for good behaviour so I'm not banned from owning a firearm, I did get in trouble a few times for fighting but like I say I've not had any issues since 2004. I'm not a member with basc but I did get in touch with them and they said they don't always take cases on and they couldn't tell me anything because I'm not a member. I did get the visit from the Feo he seemed happy with my cabinet and my shooting experience so I thought it was looking good Given an 18 month sentence and served 15 months, getting out early for good behaviour ? Something doesn't add up there. Most of the time people given 18 month sentences serve 9 month in prison and 9 months on licence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimny(off-road) Posted October 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Yeah sorry I did serve 9 months, my wife was typing that for me I was telling her what to write cos she's faster at typing and she misheard me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imissalot Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 18 months is a lot for abh, wot was the damage ,circumstances not saying you shouldn't get one just police will have took all this in the decision , did you get into trouble at all after you got out Hope you get it sorted never judge a book by its cover Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parapilot Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Good friend of mine has done a lot less and longer ago and they still refused him. Seam to be able to make the rules and with loose guidelines it's very hard to fight. They seam to make it up as they go along, some people with records get granted others not.... Basc can't really do much about it. Experience does not count, you don't need any for sgc. My mate is prob one of the safest, most experienced shot I know with 40+ years experience, but they didn't want to commit, he would almost certainly win at court but it's all about cost and the police know that. If a judge makes the call it takes the heat off them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subsonicnat Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I was given 18 months for abh but got out after 15 months for good behaviour so I'm not banned from owning a firearm, I did get in trouble a few times for fighting but like I say I've not had any issues since 2004. I'm not a member with basc but I did get in touch with them and they said they don't always take cases on and they couldn't tell me anything because I'm not a member. I did get the visit from the Feo he seemed happy with my cabinet and my shooting experience so I thought it was looking good BASC Will Not Take you on, unless there is a 99% chance of winning,don`t even bother, jusrt wasting your time there.. Sorry, But GBH is not a walk in the park situation.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldweld Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I'm sure BASC don't take on a case that's started before membership. I feel for you But the when the licencing system fails we all blame the Police for NOT being robust enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pegasus bridge Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I'm sure BASC don't take on a case that's started before membership. I feel for you But the when the licencing system fails we all blame the Police for NOT being robust enough.True, very true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eieieio Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 If they weren't going to give you a sgc based on your previous conviction(s) then I cannot see why they wasted time and resources coming to see you and check your security arrangements? Seems a bit back to front to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aga man Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Jimny {off road}, I think you just have to take this one on the chin [no pun intended]. An appeal in my opinion is a waste of time and money. There is nothing to stop you applying again in a couple of years time. If you are refused again you will get your application fee back. Having been refused a certificate at one stage in my life, I can tell you straight if it is something you want, you will get it if you keep your life and mental health on track. In a way the police are damned if they do and damned if they don't . They need to see your life is back on track and that will take time. In the mean time you are still able to use sub 12ft air rifles and use ferrets and go beating/fishing etc. Any centimental guns from your dads certificate can be transferred to a friends certificate until things are sorted. I am sorry you got turned down, but keep positive fella and keep a portfolio of application/refusal documents as you will go through it all at each application. all the best aga man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7daysinaweek Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 i know of a man who over 20 years ago was convicted for gbh, never got a custodial sentence but a fine costs and was bound over for 2 years. he has been sqeaky clean ever since for the last 18 years. he applied for a sgc a couple of years ago and was refused, was a member of the basc and was advised the only option was to seek advice from a lawyer. this he did and was told by the lawyer that it was a none starter. i know of another person under a different lisensing force who had a coviction for affray and a similar length of time who had his sgc granted about 10 years ago. times have moved on and guidance and lisensing has got stricter. that said i believe like the advice give here that if you are dilligent, honest and willing to go the long route that you may at some stage be successful in getting your certificate. may take a few years put time passes anyway so look at a long term strategy and keep positive. atb 7diaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul223 Posted October 23, 2015 Report Share Posted October 23, 2015 If I'm honest I'd say I'm glad the police don't give out SGC's to offenders who have been convicted of ABH / GBH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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