Unless you have an exemption it is an offence for a person

• to have in their possession, or to purchase a firearm without holding a firearm certificate
• to have in their possession, or to purchase any ammunition without holding a firearm certificate

These are strict liability offences which means the prosecution doesn’t need to prove intention, negligence, or state of mind regarding this act. So, if you are asked to hold a bag with a gun in it you will be found guilty, even if you didn’t know what was in the bag.

Photo by Tom Def

As there are a number of different charges within the Firearms Act the sentencing varies dependent on a number of factors. The biggest contributing factor is whether it falls in to a statutory minimum charge. This will depend on the type of firearm used and intent. Sentences for statutory minimum firearms charges range from a minimum of 5 years up to 8 years whilst non-statutory ranges from a non-custodial up to 3 years.

Sentences will be lower if charged with lesser charges such as carrying a firearm in a public place (max 2 years) or can be increased for charges like possession with intent to endanger life (max 18 years).