Coroner’s report calls for law change on crossbows
CONCERNS RAISED AFTER UNLAWFUL KILLING
A PREVENTION of future deaths report has been released following the inquest into the tragic death of Shane Gilmer, who was killed using a crossbow.
On its website, Ison Harrison Solicitors said its specialist Inquest solicitor, Gemma Vine, had received a copy of the report on Friday from the coroner at the Shane Gilmer inquest.
It comes after a jury concluded last month that the killing of Shane Gilmer was unlawful.
After a five-day inquest at Hull Coroners Court, the jury returned the conclusion following evidence that heard Shane, a housing officer for East Riding Council, had been shot with a crossbow by his neighbour Anthony Lawrence on January 12, 2018.
After the jury reached its unanimous conclusion, his partner Laura Sugden paid tribute to Shane and vowed to campaign for tighter crossbow regulations brought into law.
And now Ison Harrison Solicitors says its specialist Inquest solicitor, Gemma Vine, has now received a copy of the Prevention of Future Deaths report from the coroner.
The firm’s website says: “The report, which a coroner can send if he believes that during the course of the inquest or investigation that there is a matter of concern that if not addressed would give risk to a rise of future deaths, clearly highlights the dangers of crossbows and a recommendation to review the existing legislation of crossbow sales and ownership.”
The firm says that in the report, the coroner has stated: “Evidence was heard from all police witnesses who were called, that unlike shotguns and firearms, which are subject to regulation and a record of ownership, no such provision applies to crossbows.
“The Crossbows Act 1987, as amended, controls the possession of crossbows by persons under 18 years throughout the UK.
“Once sold there is no ongoing control, record or licensing requirement for these weapons, unlike those in place for firearms and shotguns, pursuant to the Firearms Act 1968 as amended.
“The police have no record of who owns crossbows, how they are stored, the number that are in circulation in the community and so forth, yet evidence was heard about the power and lethal capabilities of these weapons, as well as the fact that they are essentially silent.
“Over the past few years, there have been some high profile incidents and killings that have involved the use of these weapons and the present case is unfortunately another example.
“In my opinion, you should consider a review of existing legislation, including the Crossbows Act 1987 and the Offensive Weapons
Act 2019 with the intention of regulating the sale and possession of these lethal weapons, which can currently be purchased over the counter or via the internet by any person over the age of 18 years.
“Currently, they are not subject to any form of license or certificate or requirement for their sale and possession to be recorded and details held by the police, as is the case with shotguns and sporting rifles. I believe that you and your department have the power to take such action.”
Commenting on the report, Ison Harrison Solicitors’ website says: “We believe the coroner’s report following the Shane Gilmer inquest is vital to our ongoing campaign with Laura Sugden to encourage the UK Government to enforce stricter laws governing the purchase, acquisition and possession of crossbows.
“This Prevention of Future Deaths report has been sent to Priti Patel, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, and Kit Malthouse, Minister for State for Crime and Policing. They have 56 days to respond to the report which will give us until June 30, 2021, unless an extension is granted by the coroner.”