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| Domestic abusers facing gun ban | Domestic abusers facing gun ban |
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| People with a history of domestic violence should be prevented from having guns, says the Home Office. | People with a history of domestic violence should be prevented from having guns, says the Home Office. |
| Police in England and Wales should review a person's suitability to hold a firearms licence after every domestic violence incident, ministers say. | Police in England and Wales should review a person's suitability to hold a firearms licence after every domestic violence incident, ministers say. |
| Police have also been told to ask family members confidentially if they have concerns about an applicant. | Police have also been told to ask family members confidentially if they have concerns about an applicant. |
| The change comes after a man from County Durham shot three members of his family and then himself in 2012. | The change comes after a man from County Durham shot three members of his family and then himself in 2012. |
| Michael Atherton had been approved by police to own shotguns despite having received a warning because of previous incidents of domestic violence. | Michael Atherton had been approved by police to own shotguns despite having received a warning because of previous incidents of domestic violence. |
| On New Year's Day 2012 he killed his partner Susan McGoldrick, her sister Alison Turnball and her daughter Tanya. | On New Year's Day 2012 he killed his partner Susan McGoldrick, her sister Alison Turnball and her daughter Tanya. |
| The new guidance for firearms certificates applies to England and Wales and has been published on the Home Office website. | |
| It says: "In general evidence (including a history) of domestic violence and abuse will indicate that an individual should not be permitted to possess a firearm or shotgun. Each case must be assessed by the police on its merits, on the basis of the strength of the evidence available and all the circumstances of the case." | |
| Alison Turnball's son Bobby has campaigned for a complete ban on gun ownership by people who have a history of domestic violence. | |
| The coroner at the inquest for Atherton's victims said he would not have been able to shoot them dead had there been "robust, clear and accountable" rules in place to prevent him having guns. | |
| Policing minister Damian Green said: "Domestic violence is unacceptable in any society and perpetrators should be in no doubt that their chances of ever holding a firearms certificate are greatly diminished. | |
| "This new Home Office guidance clearly sets out a process which police forces should follow when considering an application from someone with a history of domestic violence. | |
| "It should also ensure the views and experiences of victims of domestic abuse are carefully and sensitively taken into account. | |
| "I am confident that this guidance will continue to protect the public from people who are not suitable to hold firearms." |