This week, a judge upheld Cumbria police’s refusal of a shotgun certificate, that was revoked over 12 years ago.
The man who held the certificate had it refused because, police said, he was a danger to public safety.
But the man, who has not been named, appealed the decision.
At Carlisle Crown Court on Tuesday this week, the appeal was dismissed. The man was ordered to pay Cumbria Constabulary’s costs of £11,239.60.
The court found that reasoning for the refusal was sound and properly made out and that the appellant demonstrated a danger to public safety, due to historic offending and behaviour in relation to his previous period as a certificate holder.
Cumbria Constabulary said its firearms licensing suitability assessments adhered to national guidance which consider previous convictions, integrity and honesty, and compliance with the strict conditions and responsibilities of being a licensed firearms holder.
Cumbria Constabulary T/Deputy Chief Constable Jonathan Blackwell said: “Our priority is to keep our communities in Cumbria safe, part of this is upholding the highest standards for firearms certificate holders and ensuring these standards are met.
“The decision to refuse the application was based on grounds for concerns of public safety, where previous warnings regarding conduct were ignored.
“It is important to acknowledge that the majority of certificate holders comply with all requirements relating to their possession of firearms and this case should serve as a reminder to certificate holders, of their duty and responsibilities.”
