Went to see my mate in prison at the end of last week. He was quite chuffed to learn so many people had an opinion or view of some kind. He's still in maximum clink, but is doing okay. They are appealing to try and get a year knocked off the sentence so that he will be eligible for parole after two years.

Gun crime figures from Met Police.....

No. of crimes (12 Months to Jan 2005) 3,685
No. of crimes (12 Months to Jan 2004) 4,007
% change -8%

Description:

Includes all offences involving a firearm. This will include offences where a firearm has been seen, or discharged/used. Both real, and fake firearms, and air weapons are counted within this category. Theft and handling offences are no longer included in the gun crime definition.

 

2000T London, 5 years????? That is a massively appealable sentence, and if the circumstances are as you describe the judge must have been on crack. Was he charged under s16a of the firearms act(possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life)?? I do not think anyone would get 5 yrs for simple possession in their own home, where the weopon has not been brandished or carried in public(ps Im a solicitor, and deal quite regularly with firearms caes).

 

The judge is notorious for his heavy sentences.

The weird thing about our justice system is if he had gone into a different court, he may have got a fine, com service or suspended sentence instead.

According to my friend, the first thing judge dredd said on the day was "this is one of those new firearms cases where I have to give five years...." and then didn't consider any of the other aspects, just sent him down....

He's lodging an appeal, but that takes 3-6 months to be considered, then if they agree there are grounds for appeal, it will be at least another three months to be heard.....

 

UPDATE - looks like he's out !!

 

More info please !!!!

Should I be worried about a L1A1 12.7 mm in a shed ??

 

Surely an L1A1 is a Fabrique National FN. chambered for .308 Winchester (7.62mm)? Have you reactivated it using a Black & Decker and a 12mm drill bit?

 

What about my Magnum!!

Pete

 

Is isnt a confectionary thread Pete!

 

these dont count pete
richie

 

Hopefully you will all be pleased to know my friend who went down for five years at the beginning of the year, and the beginning of this thread, was released last week having served six months by Lord Chief Justice Woolf who concluded the sentence was unjust for his crime, and judges will be encouraged to make sure only criminals are actually sentenced using this sentencing guideline (min 5 years)

To say he is relieved is an understatement!

 

Good result!

Will he be compensated for this gross miscarriage of justice?

 

Not sure about compo, he's probably happy enough to be out. Would be nice to get a sum, but can't see it, although they may appeal against the entire conviction now so he can travel to the USA etc......

 

I hope he gets his old job back at C&E.

I remember being outraged about this when this first surfaced. Maybe the police could have contacted people like Zak before the change in the law. Appalling waste of taxpayers money, not to mention 6 months of a fine young man's life.