Man wins gun licence appeal

A man who “liked” Facebook messages about the Muslim faith had his shotgun licence revoked by police after they looked at his profile.

But a court has now overturned that decision.

North Wales Police claimed Owen Jones, 52, wasn’t “fit and proper” to hold a firearms certificate because of “highly offensive” posts on his social media page. But Superintendent Rob Kirman agreed during an appeal against the decision at Caernarfon that Mr Jones, apart from online, caused no concern.

Mr Jones, of Deiniolen, near Caernarfon, holder of a gun licence for more than 30 years, won the appeal.

Judge Niclas Parry, said Mr Jones was “ignorant” about the subject of the Muslim faith but added: “We take the view, whatever view is taken of his personal views, his conduct fell far short of constituting a case where he can be considered a person who is a danger or potential danger to the public.”

The judge said: “He’s a hard-working man with a social conscience and respected in the small Welsh community where he lives.”

Mr Jones, employed by a drain-cleaning firm, lived on a farm and shot vermin. He also went clay pigeon shooting.

“I don’t call myself a racist at all,” Mr Jones said.

He added after winning his appeal: “I am pleased with the decision. Thankfully the court has seen sense.”