A woman whose mother and sister were shot dead by an 82-year-old puppy breeder after police returned his shotguns to him has criticised Surrey police’s firearms team as negligent and dangerous, as the police watchdog highlighted “deeply concerning” failings.
Oh..?
Eleven months before the killings, police received an allegation by Stacy Banner, now 42, the daughter of Christine and sister of Lucy, that Lowe had made threats to shoot her. Lowe’s seven licensed shotguns were removed.
As you'd expect. So, what did the police do wrong, here?
Banner subsequently withdrew her complaint, due to his age.
Ah.
Banner said on Tuesday the IPCC report was “vindication” in her long battle for an independent investigation, but many questions remained unanswered. She called for a “Lucy’s Law” in memory of her sister to overhaul gun licence policy, and a full inquest to answer remaining questions.
"The police should listen to me! On
this occasion. Not that other one...!"
There appears to be some confusion over the difference between firearms licences and shotgun certificates. Unless the law has changed recently, it is up to the applicant to prove he or she requires a firearm. However, in the case of shotguns, it is up to the Police to PROVE the applicant should be refused a shotgun certificate. In the past, I have provided evidence in court to put the Police view that a shotgun certificate should not be issued, only to have my argument destroyed by a very expensive barrister paid for the applicant. Despite the reservations by the Police Sgt, once the allegation by the daughter had been retracted, there was no option but to return all, or some, of his shotguns, on pain of legal action. A sad tale in which no one, apart from the tragic victims, comes out of this well. I wonder what the compensation claim will amount to?
ReplyDeleteHave a look at this.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-31938192
Retired
I would also add that the law as regards firearms in this country is unnecessarily complicated and does need revision so that all parties concerned can understand it.BTW look at the link I earlier provided,
ReplyDeleteRetired.
XX an 82-year-old puppy breeder .... as the police watchdog highlighted XX
ReplyDeleteDog breeder investigated by a Police watchdog.... Hmmm.
Conflicting interests here?
"Despite the reservations by the Police Sgt, once the allegation by the daughter had been retracted, there was no option but to return all, or some, of his shotguns, on pain of legal action."
ReplyDeleteQuite! But now she'll benefit. It's wrong. :/
"Have a look at this."
Well, well, well...
"I would also add that the law as regards firearms in this country is unnecessarily complicated and does need revision..."
You think they could possibly make it worse..? ;)
"Dog breeder investigated by a Police watchdog.... Hmmm."
LOL!