Guns seized....again

[phaedra1106]

So far one of my clus have had 4 members with seized firearms.

Ther latest one is because he had a mild stroke about 10 months ago.

His FEO was out for his renewal at the time, asked him to remove/repolace the bolt in a 303 as a handling check and said he seemed fine.

10 months later they turned up and took everything, said they woud have been out earlier but were a bit behind!!

Has to get a letter off his GP and see where that goes.

[PeterN]

One of our ex club members had an episode where he blacked out for a few moments and then came round. He saw his doctor who said he should not drive as it could be a problem if he had another black out whilst driving. His driving licence was suspended. As a courtesy, he informed the police of his medical episode. They then came round and took his guns off him. They said he could have them back when he got his driving licence back. It took over a year before he was cleared to drive and he did get his guns back. He was peed off with the police and their attitude and sold his rifles when he got them back and gave up his FAC . He only kept his shotgun. He wished he had never told the police.
Regards
Peter

[BooBoo]

First off, may I wish you a speedy recovery...

The police would appear to be very keen to invoke a voluntary surrender, on the basis that we'll either revoke or go and get a W etc. The problem with this of course is that there is no formal revocation... with the holder then left in limbo as to when the police may be gracious enough to re-instate etc.

On the flip side, they are keen to point out that any formal revocation may be held against a certificate holder in years to come (as if a voluntary surrender is anything but)... a sort of "don't rock the boat" threat.

A formal revocation does however kickstart a legal appeal timeline (and it is for this reason that I take out separate revocation insurance annually).

I would like to think that forces are understanding of individual medical circumstance. Just because a person has x then it doesn't necessarily mean that they are unfit. Indeed, shooting may be there only pleasure... so if someone is neither a risk to themselves or others then why remove? It's all a balance of risk v being reasonable.

Does the NRA still have legal teeth (and is it only BASC that has removed such support)? Without being held to account, forces will only adopt a surrender or be damned approach... something that is not within the spirit of the law and one with which the civil courts would take a very dim view. I have always fallen out with the approach to surrender on domestics - as this includes a simple verbal argument. Who on earth has never had an argument with their other half... Reasonableness rather than a carte blanche policy has to prevail, because no one can defend against the latter - legal / proportionate / necessary etc.

The very best of wishes regardless...

[Lever357]

Firstly I wish you a swift recovery. www.shootlaw.co.uk may be able to help you.

Tried that site and it doesn't load at all as if it doesn't exist

[Pete]

I believe the insurance that's included with NRA membership includes legal assistance in such cases.

Pete

[Blackstuff]

I know of two people that have had their guns confiscated because they had the temerity to get cancer. Absolutely disgusting.

I hope your treatment goes well and you're back shooting soon

[YattonShooter]

This is absolutely terrible.
I wish you the best of luck with your treatment.
I can speak from experience as I was diagnosed with stage 3 oesophageal cancer in 2018. I had multiple sessions of pre op chemo followed by a gastro oesophagectomy and more post op chemo.
If you want to message me with any questions about treatment or anything related to this please feel free to do so.
I would like to give back and help anyone that I can.

[daman]

Wishing you a swift recovery and hope the treatment goes smoothly and you get your property back!

[Tallguy]

Firstly I wish you a swift recovery. www.shootlaw.co.uk may be able to help you.

Tried that site and it doesn't load at all as if it doesn't exist

Apologies, try www.shootinglaw.co.uk

[walesdave]

So, update time.

At the time I was essentially forced to 'voluntarily' surrender my firearms to Gwent police the FEO said a letter regarding treatment, mental health etc. from a medical professional involved in my treatment would aid the return of my guns etc. He was quite clear that this was a temporary measure that would be resolved in a few weeks / month or two provided I could get evidence that I wasn't a 'risk'.

Had a letter from my oncologist today which outlines my treatment (curative and control) and states: "Mr 'walesdave' is fully aware [of his treatment plan] and is of sound mind and not suffering from any mental health issues at present".

Emailed the letter to Gwent Police and received this within half an hour:
"The letter can only confirm that you do not have any mental health impact at present and this can change very quickly.

The decision lies with Firearms Licensing and not with medical professionals as per statutory guidance.

The options you have are to remove your permission and we will refer the matter to the Assistant Chief Constable for revocation. Alternatively, you can wait until your health improves and we can return your weapons."

So, looks like I'm off to the IOPC then.