A man from Blyth has been banned from owning firearms for life after police discovered a powerful air rifle in his home that was so strong it was legally classified as a firearm. Shaun Robb, 60, of Eleventh Avenue, Blyth, possessed four air rifles he believed were legal, but one exceeded the legal power limit.
Police Search Leads to Discovery
On June 28, 2024, police visited Robb's home in Blyth regarding an unrelated matter. During a search of the property, they found the air weapons. Prosecutor Stuart Graham told Newcastle Crown Court that an officer noticed a potential repair on the stock of one rifle, raising suspicions it may have been modified. The weapon was sent for analysis.
Illegal Power Levels
Testing revealed the air rifle had a kinetic energy between 15.37 and 17.92 foot-pounds, exceeding the legal limit of 12 foot-pounds. This meant it was classified as a firearm under UK law. Robb stated he had not modified the weapon and believed all his air rifles were legal, using them for shooting vermin.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Robb pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm without a certificate and possessing ammunition when prohibited. The ammunition consisted of .22 pellets compatible with the rifle. The firearm charge was accepted on the basis that Robb was unaware the weapon exceeded the legal power limit.
The court heard that Robb had a qualifying conviction from 2000 for assault, false imprisonment, and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment, which triggered a lifelong ban on firearm possession. He was sentenced to an 18-month community order with an electronically monitored curfew from 9pm to 7am for three months.
Defense and Background
Defending, Susannah Proctor said Robb suffers from mental health issues including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The court noted he had stayed out of trouble from 2012 to 2018 and again from 2018 until the current offense.
