LEGAL GUN OWNERS - MURDERS AND MURDER SUICIDES

Legal gun owners claim to be responsible, highly trained, disciplined individuals who can be trusted to behave responsibly at all times with their guns.  However, legal gun owners, gun enthusiasts, gun collectors, gun dealers and members of shooting clubs and teams, even those selected to represent their country at national and international shooting events,  resort to their guns to kill and injure wives, children, neighbours work colleagues and random victims when faced with stressful situations.  Relationship breakdown, employment issues, financial problems, deteriorating mental and physical health, depression, property repossessions, impending prosecutions and marriage breakdown are all known catalysts which prompt these tragic acts of violent desperation. 

GUN MASSACRES IN UK

All three gun massacres occurring in the UK, Hungerford l987, Dunblane 1996 and Cumbria 2010 were committed by men who were licensed gun owners using legally held guns and ammunition held in the home. The failure of the licensing system to protect innocent victims from known gun enthusiasts has raised concerns about the licensing procedure and lack of 'follow-up' checks on the health, well-being and circumstances of those who have instant access to legally held 'weapons of mass destruction'.

Horden Co. Durham Murder Suicide - January 2012

Michael Atherton, a 42 year old licensed gun owner with a  history of arrests for domestic violence and a caution for common assault, shot dead his partner, Susan McGoldrick, her sister Alison Turnbull, her niece Tanya Turnbull and shot and injured his stepdaughter in Horden Co. Durham in January 2012 before taking his own life with one of his licensed shotguns. Mr. Atherton had a history of intoxication and relationship problems. 

Source: BBC News 16 January 2012 

Infer Trust extends sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims of Michael Atherton  a legal gun owner and gun club member. We continue to offer advice, support and networking opportunities to all those affected by gun misuse and we work to raise awareness of the dangers associated with gun ownership and use.

If you or someone you know is worried about the behaviour or state of mind of a gun owner or someone with access to a gun, please contact us on 0771 9696 279 (anonymously if you wish) or the police

Twelve people were shot dead and eleven others wounded after a gunman drove across Cumbria shooting victims.  The gunman then took his own life in Boot.  The man was armed with a shotgun and a .22 rifle.  The first victim, the man's brother, was shot dead in Lumplugh.  Other incidents followed in Frizington, Whitehaven, Egremont, Wilton, Gosforth, Seascale, Drigg, Eskdale and Boot where the gunman's body was found.  The perpetrator Derrick Bird had been a licensed gun holder for 20 years (National Media, 3 June 2010).

Source: National Media, 2 June 201

Other gun deaths:-

 
Calum Murray, an l8 year old trainee gamekeeper on work experience at the Glenavon Estate apparently shot and killed his girlfriend l6 year old Sophie Taylor while cleaning his shotgun inside cottage accommodation provided on the estate.  Calum had a shotgun licence. 

Source: BBC News 14, April 2011

Source: BBC, 17 March 2010

There is evidence that many legal gun owners and gun enthusiasts become obsessed with guns or fail to behave responsibly with their guns, flout the law or treat guns casually and compromise public safety. We are aware of several incidents involving Police
Firearms Officers who, despite their training and expertise, are involved in gun incidents, including accidental discharge of their weapons.

For example:-

A police officer in Shrewsbury accidentally fired his handgun in a police station garage. The officer was reportedly cleaning his semi-automatic pistol when the gun fired. No one was reported injured, and the former firearms officer has been disciplined and given a new role.

Source:- Shropshire Star, 28 November 2011

LEGAL GUN OWNERS - NON FATAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Jacek Piwowarski has been jailed for two years after threatening to shoot his ex-wife and possessing a loaded shotgun in Lincolnshire. Piwowarski admitted assault, possessing a loaded shotgun in a public place and breaching his shotgun licence. He reportedly grabbed his ex-wife, leaving red marks on her arms, and told her he would 'shoot her head off'

Source: Boston Standard, 25 November 2011

LEGAL GUN OWNERS  - OTHER VIOLENT OFFENCES

Michael Sutherland has been found guilty of repeatedly firing a rifle at a shooting party who were hunting geese near his farm in Foveran, Aberdeenshire, in October 2009 (see Incidents).  He exposed four men to the risk of serious injury or death, and the lives of four others were also endangered.  Sutherland also admitted a charge of possessing around 230 more rounds of ammunition than he was licensed for.   He has "no intention" of renewing his firearm licence or continuing to shoot on his land.  His .243 rifle and ammunition have been seized.

Source: stv, 30 March 2011 

Armed police used a stun gun to restrain a man afer he threatened to shoot someone at an address in Ford Road, Ford near Arundel.  The force's helicopter was also scrambled.  A man was restrained at the scene by firearms officers using a Taser stun gun.  Two legally-held shotguns were seized by police and a 48 year old man was arrested on suspecion of making threats to kill.

Source: The Argus, 2 May 2010

Andre Hulse fired both barrels of a shotgun over the heads of two innocent anglers because he feared they might be troublemakers.  He had been plagued by burglars and vandals at his cottage in Mexborough, South Yorkshire.  Three legally-held shotguns and a starting pistol were recovered from his house after the incident.  He pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and his firearm certificate was cancelled.  He was jailed for two-and-a-half years.  The sentence was cut to 18 months on appeal (The Star, 12 July 2010).

The Star, 2 March 2010

MANY LEGAL GUN OWNERS AND GUN COLLECTORS FLOUT GUN LAW AND COMPROMISE PUBLIC SAFETY

For Example:-

Ryan Cummings has been ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid community work after possessing a loaded shotgun in a public place in Millom, Cumbria. Cummings drove away from a shooting range with the weapon on his car roof. Police recovered it on the side of the road after Cummings alerted them. His shotgun licence has now been revoked.

Source: Northwest Evening Mail, 25 November 2011

Karl Blennerhassett has been jailed for two years for illegal possession of antique weapons in West Lancashire. The gun collector, who owns more than 140 guns, was discovered to own four modified air rifles without a license. The sentencing judge noted that antiques -- which are legal despite their lethal ability -- must be taken seriously, because 'one of the great tragedies on Merseyside involved an old firearm.' He was referring to Rhys Jones, an 11-year-old who was killed in 2007 (BBC News, 23 August 2007).

Source:- Daily Mail, 6 November 2011

Police found a shotgun and ammunition inside a man's wardrobe in Whitworth, Lancashire when they searched his home. He admitted failing to comply with the conditions of his firearm certificate through the unsafe storage and may lose the certificate, which he had for four guns at the property. He was fined £365.

Source: Lancashire Telegraph, 16 June 2011

John Bailey, a gun collector from Chelmsford, Essex, has been given a six-month suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon.  He believed the barrelling of the modified replica Colt 45 pistol was blocked and it was incapable of being fired but police test-fired it.  It was illegal under the Firearms Act because of the self-contained gas cartridge system.  The gun had been given to him as a gift by his son and will be forfeited and destroyed.

Source: Chelmsford Weekly News, 26th October 2010

A second member of a South Derbyshire gun club has been jailed for firearms offences.  After his friend Colin Cheetham, who was convicted of murder in June 2010 (see Incidents), was arrested Andrew Brough told police how he had worked on a shortened smooth bored rifle owned by Cheetham.  The gun was modified so a silencer could be fitted.  Brough pleaded guilty to four charges of unlawful possession of ammunition without authority.  He was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

Source: Burton Mail, 24 July 2010

Roy Bennett, described as a passionate gun collector, amassed more than 50 guns at his cottage in Heywood, Greater Manchester.  He pleaded guilty to nine firearm offences.  He had firearms licences for some of the rifles but he had unlicensed rifles, a shotgun and a home-made cannon.  Police had been alerted after he fired the cannon at a local gun club and found the weapons when they searched his home in March 2009.  He was jailed for five years after the judge said she could not find exceptional circumstances and applied the minimum sentence.  He has failed in his appeal to have his sentence reduced (Middleton Guardian, 22 April 2010).

Source: Telegraph 30 December 2009

A former RAF policeman and gun enthusiast had live ammunition and three illegal pistols stored at his home in Sleaford, Lincolnshire.  Police also found over 200 imitation weapons inside the property which had been bought from a website linked to illegal weapons.  Mark Owens admitted three charges of possessing a prohibited weapon and a further charge of illegal possession of ammunition in May 2008.  His shotgun certificate had been suspended.  He was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs.  The judge accepted that Owens had inadvertently broken the law and was surprised to discover the pistols were prohibited weapons.  The ammunition had been retained from his RAF days.

Source: Sleaford Standard, 4 february 2010

Two gun enthusiasts have each been jailed after one sold the other a prohibited US army pistol, a Colt 45.  Brian Teesdale from Baildon, West Yorkshire, was jailed for three years for possessing the gun and ammunition in November 2009.  He had bought the gun from his friend, Martin Wells from Guiseley, nine years ago.  Wells had bought the gun at an international arms fair and was told that it was not an illegal weapon.  He sold it to Teesdale when he realised that it was.  Wells, a shotgun licence holder for 30 years, has been jailed for 18 months.

Source Telegraph & Argus, 9 Feburary 2010

LEGAL GUN OWNERS - DEATHS WITH OPEN VERDICTS

Geoffrey Buffey, a 58 year old chartered surveyor of Chapel Meadows, near Preston, whose life was said to be in 'turmoil' regarding the end of a relationship, was found on 22nd October 2010, in a field with a single shot wound to his head.  His shotgun was beside him.  Mr. Buffey is assumed to have been a legal shotgun owner.  The Coroner recorded an open verdict.

THE QUEEN'S BODYGUARD SUSPENDED FOLLLOWING ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE OF HANDGUN.

The Queen's top bodyguard was suspended when his handgun accidentally fired in Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.  He was not harmed and he was alone and off-duty at the time.  He was removed from firearms duty but has since been reinstated after undergoing retraining in the safe handling of firearms.

Source: Telegraph 26 September 2010

We know there is a direct correlation between the number of guns in society and the number of gun 'accidents'.  In the United States where gun legislation is far less stringent than in the United Kingdom there are many fatal and many more non fatal 'accidental' shootings each year involving legal gun owners and gun enthusiasts.  A memorial website exists to remember those Americans who have been killed 'accidentally'  making it clear that while true 'accidents' are unavoidable many of the recurring incidents resulting in the deaths of innocent victims could have been avoided with more stringent gun legislation.  For more information visit http://ohhshoot.blogspot.com

GUN INCIDENTS INVOLVING MILITARY PERSONNEL

Military weapons are involved in incidents in non military situations when individuals are able to access them with criminal intent.  These incidents raise public safety concerns regarding the storage, authorisation and administration processes which enable personnel to acquire military weapons. 

Military and ex military personnel are known to be at risk from debilitating Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, and it is of great concern that military and ex military personnel known to be suffering from mental health issues are still able to access weapons. 

For Example:-

An SAS commander was being held in a psychiatric hospital after he disappeared with a loaded shotgun, sparking a major police alert.  It was feared he might go on a rampage or kill himself.  The man, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, was found in Hereford.

Source: The Sun, 14 May 2010

Military and ex military personnel put their expertise with weapons to criminal use.

Ian Shaw from Farnworth, Greater Manchester, has pleaded guilty to possessing an 8mm self-loading handgun and various ammunition, both bullets and cartridges.  He also pleaded guilty to handling a stolen vehicle.  The case was adjourned.  The weapons were found at a house by Bolton's Organised Crime Unit (see February 2010 Incidents).  Shaw, who is a former RAF weapons technician, has been jailed for over eight years.  The weapon was a blank-firing handgun which had been modified to fire live rounds.

Source:- Bolton News, 15 May 2010.

LEGAL GUN OWNERS - SUICIDES

At times of stress, physical and/or mental illness suffering from depression, financial worries, home repossession, relationship problems, marriage breakdown, difficulties at work, legal gun owners use their guns to take their own lives.  Family members who have access to legal guns in the home also use them to take their own lives. 

Young men are particularly at risk from suicide and a gun stored in the home and easily accessible increases the risk.

If you or someone you know has concerns about the behaviour or state of mind of a gun owner, or someone with access to a gun,  please contact us (you can do this anonymously if you wish on 0771 9696 279)  or call the police

For Example:

Stephen Armstrong, a 45 year old Managing Director from Mortimer took his own life with a shotgun in July 2011. Mr. Armstrong, who had previously attempted suicide following family bereavements and had recently had relationship difficulties with his partner, was found to have a level of alcohol in his blood just over twice the drink/drive limit.  He had been a member of Happy Valley Gun Club and, despite suffering from depression, he continued to have access to two legally owned guns.

Source: www.getreading.co.uk/news 19 December 2011

Mark French, a building contractor whose business failed in 2009, resulting in the loss of the family's home and cars, took his own life with a shotgun on May 27th 2011.  The family initially took the keys to his gun cabinet out of the house, but later returned them. Despite having suffered from depression and unpredictable moods Mr. French continued to have access to a legally owned shotgun. 

Source: Lynn News, l4 October 2011

Neil Wilkinson, a 42 year old man from Chesterfield who was said to have become 'controlling and jealous' used a shotgun from a cabinet in his father's home to take his own life following the breakdown of a seven year relationship. Earlier Mr. Wilkinson set fire to his car and wrecked his house with a sledgehammer.  He was found to have taken a significant amount of cocaine.  Despite expressing suicidal thoughts Mr. Wilkinson continued to have access to a legally owned shotgun.

Source: The Star, 22 October 2011

Mike Gard, a 37 year old Policeman took his own life with a licensed shotgun he used to shoot pheasants after his partner, the mother of his two children, confronted him about a text message on his phone which led her to believed he had formed a friendship with another person. His body was discovered on Blofield Heath on l9th April 2011 and the shotgun was found close by. Mike Gard was a licensed shotgun owner.

Source: Mail Online, 21 September 2011 

Anthony Donnellan, a 51 year old man who had drunk the equivalent of four times the drink driving limit took his own life by a fishing lake at Godmanchester in June 2011 using a shotgun from his gun safe.  Mr. Donnellan left a note indicating he had been contemplating suicide for two years and expressing his love for his family.  Mr. Donnellan was believed to have been a licensed gun owner.

Source News and Crier, 22 September 2011

Peter Noel Wentworth, a 92-year-old retired farmer from Easingwold shot and killed himself in June. Reports indicate that the man, who was suffering from leukaemia, shot himself with a shotgun in poor but working condition.

Source: Gazette & Herald, 8 September 2011

Matthew Taffs, a 41 year old roofing contractor from Dersingham, Norfolk, was found dead in his home on 29th April 2011.  The Norfolk Coroner has called for a review of the firearm licence application process following revelations that  Mr. Taffs still held a shotgun licence despite suffering from longstanding anxiety and depression and known to have a long history of alcohol abuse.

Source: Lynn News 23 August 2011

Andrew White, a 45 year old kitchen and bathroom fitter and father of two, took his own life after a drink fueled argument with his wife at their home on 29th July 2011.  The inquest heard that the marriage had broken down, divorce proceedings had begun and Mr. White was about to move out of the marital home.  His wife feared for her own life when Mr. White opened his gun cabinet.  Mr. White was a licensed shotgun owner.

Source: Yorkshire Evening Post, 23 February 2011 

DAVID LE CLUSE A 44 year old, Chairman of Croydon Athletic Football Club, and owner of a pest control business is thought to have taken his own life on 2nd October 2010 with a licenced small bore rifle.  Mr. Le Cluse was said to have been distressed regarding financial issues.

Source: This is Local London, l4 February 2011

MICHAEL GREEN A 69 year old farmer, and member of a gun club who kept several guns in his kitchen, shot himself in a barn in May 2010.  Mr. Green had suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis for many years.

JOSHUA MAHER A 19-year-old suspected of stealing a few pounds from his grandparents used a shotgun from the farm he shared with them to kill himself.  In February 2010 he drove from his home in Bristol to a lay-by in Cornwall where his body was found in a van.  A verdict of suicide was recorded at the inquest.

Source: Daily Mail 12 August 2010

JAMES LYON  A young farmer 'in turmoil' shot himself dead on New Year's day following a car accident in which his girlfriend was injured.  James received a text from the girl's ex-boyfriend saying her injuries were very serious (which was untrue) and a text from his girlfriend saying her father had banned them from seeing each other just before he took his own life.

Source: Daily Mail 4th August 2010

ALEXANDER CODRINGTON  A l6 year old shot himself while on the phone to Police after breaking up with his girlfriend.  Alexander was the son of Sir Christopher Codrington, known to be involved in shooting activities and Alexander had access to guns.

Source: Daily Mail 3rd August 2010

ALEXANDER BERRY a pensioner facing child sex abuse charges was found dead near his home in Holywood, Dumfries.  A shotgun was lying next to him. Mr. Berry was known to be a former shotgun licence holder and past President of Cameronian Scottish rifles.

Source: Dumfries Standard 9 June 2010

A businessman from Brampton, Lincolnshire, died of gunshot wounds just minutes after threatening his wife in a row over their future in December 2009.  His body was found nearby with gunshot wounds to the head.  The man had organised partridge and pheasant shoots.  The coroner returned an open verdict.

Source: BBC  30 June 2010

LEGAL GUN OWNERS CONTRIBUTE INDIRECTLY TO GUN CRIME

Legal Gun Owners contribute indirectly to gun crime when their guns are stolen and later used in crime. The more legal guns there are in communities the more frequent such events become. 

Police in Coulsdon, south London said a lack of CCTV prevented any arrests from being made after a gun shop was raided in August. The shop was one of several in the area that fell victim to looters and vandals during the riots. Residents of the area have appealed for CCTV to be installed.

Source: Coulsdon and Purley Advertiser, 30 September 2011

Five shotguns were stolen from a house in Melton, Leicestershire. The guns were licensed, but are now at-large after being taken earlier in September.

Source: Melton Times, 21 September 2011

Stephen McGoldrick and Lee Walters have been jailed for five years and three and a half years, respectively, after they stole shotguns from a house in Peopleton, Worcestershire in June 2010. The men reportedly robbed multiple homes and stole other property in addition to the firearms worth £10k.

Source: Tewkesbury Admag, 9 September 2011

For Example:

Five shotguns were stolen from a home in Cheshire. One of the guns, all of which were legally owned, was recovered. Police said the remaining four shotguns were circulated to other forces as stolen.

Source: The Sentinel, 21 July 2011

Two shotguns were stolen in a burglary in Middleton, Manchester. The perpetrators reportedly forced their way into a home and escaped with two guns, a mountain bike, a laptop and other valuables.

Source: Rochdale Online, 19 May 2011

A retired farmer was tied up and beaten by armed robbers who stole a hoard of guns and cash from his farmhouse close to Bloxworth, Dorset.  A police spokesperson would not confirm how many guns were stolen.

Source: Dorset Echo, 28 March 2011

Two deactivated guns, a Kalashnikov M70A and an M16 semi-automatic carbine rifle, were stolen from a military memorabilia collector by two robbers who attacked him at his home in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester.

Source: Manchester Evening News, 24 September 2010

Police are concerned that three shotguns and an air rifle stolen during a break-in at a farmhouse near Mellor, Lancashire, could be in the hands of underworld criminals.  The thieves also stole a car which was found burnt out in Manchester.

Source: Lancashire Telegraph, 3 September 2010

Two men stole a shotgun and a rifle after breaking into a gun store in Eaglesham, Renfrewshire.  They smashed a window to get inside the store.

Source: Evening Times, 26 August 2010 

Four shotguns and a rifle have been stolen in a burglary at a farm in Murrow, Cambridgeshire.  A gun cabinet was forced open.  Other items were also taken.

Source: BBC, 6 July 2010

There are particular concerns regarding the levels of security and safe storage provided by dealers etc. involved in the gun trade and related businesses.

For Example:-

Hundreds of shotgun rounds were stolen from a clay pigeon shooting event in West Lothian. Along with the cartridges, a three-figure sum of money was taken at the tournament site overnight.

Source: STV 5 September 2011

Nine high-powered air rifles were stolen from the fishing and shooting lodge at the hotel in Gleneagles, Perthshire.

Source: Daily Record, 31st August 2010

Four training rifles were stolen from a storage area at a rifle range in Gisleham, Suffolk.  The rifles had their firing pins removed.

Source: Lowestoft Journal, 16 June 2010

Several airguns were stolen from a shop in Kirkcaldy, Fife.  It is believed that thieves had forced entry to the fishing tackle shop.

Source: 2 June 2010

Around 20 shotguns and small calibre rifles have been stolen from the workshop of a registered gun dealer in Barnt Green, Worcestershire.

Source: BBC 30 April 2010

An inquest jury has found that Mark Saunders, the barrister shot by police marksmen in Chelsea, west London, in May 2008 (see Incidents), was lawfully killed.  He had been drinking alcohol during a five-hour armed stand-off with police and fired shots from his shotgun out of the window of his home.

Source: BBC, 7 October 2010

NB Mark Saunders was a legal shotgun owner despite a long history of alchohol abuse.

INFER TRUST IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE GRANTING AND RENEWAL OF SHOTGUN CERTIFICATES TO INDIVIDUALS KNOWN TO HAVE SUBSTANCE AND ALCHOHOL ABUSE ISSUES.

Experienced and frequent shooters, and members of official shooting parties also fall victim to gun injuries during shooting activities. 

Two men were recovering from leg wounds after being shot with a shotgun during an organised shoot near Dunning, Perthshire.  The police stated that one member of the group accidentally discharged his gun.  A man has been charged under the Firearms Act but has been cleared of failing to ensure his shotgun was safe.  All those involved were members of a hunting party shooting geese

Source: BBC, 18 May 2010.

A man has survived after being blasted in the face with a shotgun as his home in Eastbourne, East Sussex.  His injuries are said to be serious but not life threatening.  The police are satisfied that nobody else was involved in the incident but have not established in the injuries were accidental or not.  The man did have a licence for the shotgun.

Source: The Argus, 22 May 2010

Those storing guns in their homes find themselves at risk from their own guns in cases of robbery.

For example:-

Georghita Iordache has been jailed for nine years after admitting robbery.  He and two other men threatened a farmer in Overseal, Derbyshire, with a knife and his own shotgun during the attack in February 2009.  The men stole £10,000.  The victim suffered a number of injuries and spent six days in hospital.

Source; BBC 2 February 2010

COST OF LEGAL SHOOTING TO THE PUBLIC

Legal shooting activities and activities of gun enthusiasts can have consequences which cause members of the public to be inconvenienced and endangered. Such incidents have cost implications which are ultimately borne by members of the public.

For example:-

Police launched a search for a man believed to be armed with a pistol near Portesham, Dorset. Officers said the man is a licensed firearms holder but went missing the morning of 21 September. A team of 40 individuals was deployed to search, with the primary fear reportedly for the man's own safety as opposed to that of the public.

Source: Dorset Echo 23 September 2011

Two men were arrested and four weapons seized after an incident in Skipton, North Yorkshire in which a man was reported to be carrying a pistol in a front garden.  The weapons were undergoing tests.  Three weapons taken from the house were all found to be replicas (Craven Herald & Pioneer, 2 August 2010).  One of the arrested men is the chairman of the local Wild West re-enactment society.  Inquiries are ongoing and the man has been released on bail (Sun, 18 August 2010).

Source: BBC 2 August 2010

Trains had to be halted for more than an hour after a man was spotted pointing a rifle at a train near Odsey, Hertfordshire.  Drivers raised the alert.  Police officers eventually discovered a number of armed men attending a legal shooting party hunting rabbits and other game on nearby farmland.  The party was spoken to and given advice of walking near railway lines with weapons and never to point weapons at trains.

Source: Royston Crow, 4 February 2010

LEGAL GUN OWNERS KILL RARE AND PROTECTED SPECIES

Sports shooters and their organisations claim that the activities of responsible organised licensed shooters benefits the countryside, wildlife and conservation.  However there is evidence to suggest that licensed shooters do not always respect the law regarding the conservation of rare and protected species.

For example:

The RSPB has reported that a young hobby was shot and killed in Enfield, North London, last year.  Hobbies are quite rare and the bird was shot by licensed gun holders who were in the area specifically to hunt the breed.  It was the only case of a protected bird being shot in London last year.

Source: North London Today, 22 September 2010