The law on firearm ownership is stringent and the grant of a firearms certificate is subject to an individual meeting a strict set of criteria that assesses a person’s reasoning for requiring a firearm and that they are fit to be entrusted with a firearm without the prohibition of possessing one. Even if the firearm is not used, a licence must be obtained to possess one.
The decision behind the police revoking an individual’s licence is simple and is based on whether they believe the holder of the firearm “is of intemperate habits or unsound mind or otherwise unfitted to be entrusted with a firearm”*. However, this can be appealed within a short period of time.
The following case demonstrates how an insured farmer was assisted and represented by Rural Protect in their appeal process when their firearms licence was revoked by the police.
Business type: Mixed farmer
Section of cover: Personal liability
Applicable cover: Claims against an insured person
Circumstance: Rural Protect assisted and represented an insured farmer in the appeal application against the police’s decision to revoke their firearms and shotgun licence.
Legal fees value: £4,271
The scenario:
The farmer, who uses their shotgun for bird shoots, euthanasia of injured livestock, etc, was due their shotgun licence renewal.
As shotgun licences are renewed annually, if there is a change in the licence holder’s circumstances or information, the police are in a position to decide that the renewal of that person’s licence is not appropriate, which was the case in this instance.
What happened?
Not having the ability to use the shotgun would impact the aforementioned tasks for the farmer, therefore they decided to appeal the police’s decision to revoke their firearms and shotgun licence.
The outcome:
Rural Protect represented and assisted the individual in the appeal application and the appeal was successful with conditions.
Things to consider:
Rural Protect provides legal assistance and representation through a specialist litigation and commercial law firm, rradar.
If you would like to know more about Rural Protect, call us on 01653 609090 or email enquiries@hbunderwriting.co.uk.
Source:
