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Domestic abusers facing gun ban Domestic abusers facing gun ban
(35 minutes later)
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.
'Adequate training'
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. The new guidance for firearms certificates applies to England and Wales and has been published on the Home Office website. In theory, it makes it easier for the police to prevent a domestic violence suspect possessing weapons because they can rely on intelligence about the applicant, rather than convictions.
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." The guidance 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."
Firearms licensing guidance requires police to receive independent character references on the applicant, speak to their GP and, if necessary, consult social services.
The revised rules tell officers to speak confidentially to family members if they have intelligence or evidence that the applicant has a history of domestic violence.
"Interviews with partners who may be victims of domestic violence may be judged essential to making a complete assessment of an application," says the guidance.
"Officers must have received adequate training so that they are aware of the indicators of domestic abuse, and how to support victims and keep them safe. They should be aware that there may be a need to take active steps to protect an applicant's partner from reprisals."
Alison Turnball's son Bobby has campaigned for a complete ban on gun ownership by people who have a history of domestic violence.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.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.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."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."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.""I am confident that this guidance will continue to protect the public from people who are not suitable to hold firearms."