Air weapons
46Offence of allowing minors access to air weapons
1
The Firearms Act 1968 is amended as follows.
2
After section 24 there is inserted—
24ZAFailing to prevent minors from having air weapons
1
It is an offence for a person in possession of an air weapon to fail to take reasonable precautions to prevent any person under the age of eighteen from having the weapon with him.
2
Subsection (1) does not apply where by virtue of section 23 of this Act the person under the age of eighteen is not prohibited from having the weapon with him.
3
In proceedings for an offence under subsection (1) it is a defence to show that the person charged with the offence—
a
believed the other person to be aged eighteen or over; and
b
had reasonable ground for that belief.
4
For the purposes of this section a person shall be taken to have shown the matters specified in subsection (3) if—
a
sufficient evidence of those matters is adduced to raise an issue with respect to them; and
b
the contrary is not proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
3
In section 57 (interpretation), in subsection (3) (offences relating to air weapons), for “and 24(4)” there is substituted “, 24(4) and 24ZA(1)”.
4
In the table in Part 1 of Schedule 6 (prosecution and punishment of offences), after the entry for section 24(4), there is inserted—
Section 24ZA(1)
Failing to prevent minors from having air weapons
Summary
A fine of level 3 on the standard scale.
Paragraphs 7 and 8 of Part II of this Schedule apply.
5
In Part 2 of Schedule 6 (supplementary provisions as to trial and punishment of offences), in paragraphs 7 and 8 (forfeiture and disposal of firearms), for “or 24(4)” there is substituted “, 24(4) or 24ZA(1)”.