After section 24 of the 1968 Act insert—

“24ASupplying imitation firearms to minors

(1)

It is an offence for a person under the age of eighteen to purchase an imitation firearm.

(2)

It is an offence to sell an imitation firearm to a person under the age of eighteen.

(3)

In proceedings for an offence under subsection (2) 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.”

In the table in Part 1 of Schedule 6 (punishment), after the entry for section 24(4) insert—

“Section 24A(1) or (2)

Acquisition by a minor of an imitation firearm and supplying him.

Summary

In England and Wales, 51 weeks or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale, or both. In Scotland, 6 months, or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale, or both.

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