Criminal Justice Act 1972

28 Punishment for firearms offences

(1) The fourth column in Part I of Schedule 6 to the [1968 c. 27.] Firearms Act 1968 (which prescribes the maximum punishment by way of fine or imprisonment for offences under that Act) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In the entries prescribing the punishment for offences under section 16 (possession of firearm with intent to endanger life) and section 17(1) (use of firearms to resist arrest) for the words " 14 years " there shall be substituted the words " life imprisonment ".

(3) In the entries prescribing the punishment for offences under section 17(2) (possessing firearm while committing certain offences) and section 18(1) (carrying firearms or imitation firearm with intent to commit indictable offence etc.) for the words " 7 years " and " 10 years " there shall be substituted the words " 14 years ".

(4) In the entry prescribing the punishment for an offence under section 3(5) (falsifying certificate etc. with view to acquisition of firearm), where the offender has been convicted on indictment, for the words " a fine of £200 " there shall be substituted the words " a fine ".

(5) In the entries prescribing the punishment for offences under the Act where the offender has been convicted summarily—

(a) for " £20 " there shall be substituted " £50 ";

(b) for " £50 " there shall be substituted " £100 ";

(c) for " £100 " there shall be substituted " £200 "; and

(d) for " £200 " there shall be substituted " £400 ".

(6) In relation to offences under sections 16, 17(1), 17(2) and 18(1) of the said Act of 1968 a court in Scotland shall have the like power as a court in England or Wales to impose both a sentence of imprisonment and a fine.