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Decision to revoke firearms certificates overturned in controversial appeal

Dan Thomas, instructed by Alison Marriott of Stephensons Firearms & Gun Law team, successfully overturned the decision of the Chief Officer of Police for North Wales to revoke a client’s firearm and shot gun certificates. The client had held the certificates for over 30 years.

The appeal presented – as set out the BBC News Report below – controversial and unique factual hurdles to overcome in convincing the Crown Court to overturn the decision to revoke.

HHJ Parry sitting at Caernarfon Crown Court held that the decision to revoke both certificates, on the basis of the client being “otherwise unfitted” to hold them and for presenting a danger to public safety and the peace, in reality fell far below the legal standard required.

The appeal highlighted the necessity to submit detailed legal submissions prior to the final hearing and the need for appellants to instruct specialist lawyers.