Continuing her run of successes, our firearms law specialist Laura Saunsbury has achieved another excellent result.

In a case at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on 25 June 2012 she was representing a client charged with possession of a blank firing pistol which the Prosecution alleged was a prohibited firearm on the basis that it was designed or adapted for the discharge of noxious substances. However, they had failed to instruct an expert witness to confirm the legal status of the firearm and were seeking an adjournment for this purpose before committing the case to the Crown Court for trial.

Upon hearing Laura’s forceful representations that such delay and inattention to detail by the Crown was unacceptable, the Magistrates agreed and refused the application for an adjournment. As the Crown were not ready to commit the case to the Crown Court, the case was discharged.

Laura’s client, who had no idea as to the potential capabilities of the blank firing pistol, was very relieved and delighted by this outcome, particularly since the Court directed that his privately paid legal costs be repaid from Central Funds.