LEGALLY HELD SHOTGUN - MASSACRE/ MURDER / SUICIDE
All three gun massacres occurring in the UK, Hungerford l987, Dunblane 1996 and Cumbria 2010 were committed by men who were licensed gun owners using legally held guns and ammunition held in the home. The perpetrator of the June 2010 Cumbrian massacre was a licensed shotgun owner. (see below) The failure of the licensing system to protect innocent victims from known gun enthusiasts has raised concerns about licensing procedures and the lack of 'follow-up' checks on the health, well-being and circumstances of those who have instant access to legally held 'weapons of mass destruction.
The most recent licensed gun murders/suicide:-
Michael Atherton, a 42 year old licensed gun owner with a history of arrests for domestic violence and a caution for common assault, killed his partner, Susan McGoldrick, her sister Alison Turnbull and her niece Tanya Turnbull and injured his stepdaughter in Horden Co. Durham in January 2012 before taking his own life. Mr. Atherton had a history of intoxication and relationship problems.
Source: BBC News l6 January 2012
Twelve people were shot dead and eleven others wounded after a gunman drove across Cumbria shooting victims. The gunman then took his own life in Boot. The man was armed with a shotgun and a .22 rifle. The first victim, the man's brother, was shot dead in Lumplugh. Other incidents followed in Frizington, Whitehaven, Egremont, Wilton, Gosforth, Seascale, Drigg, Eskdale and Boot where the gunman's body was found. The perpetrator Derrick Bird had been a licensed gun holder for 20 years (National Media, 3 June 2010).
Source: National Media, 2 June 2010
SHOTGUN INJURIES CONTINUE TO RISE
The number of injuries caused by shotguns has gone up, from 100 in 1999/00 to 137 in 2008/09.
Experienced and frequent shooters, and members of official shooting parties also fall victim to gun injuries during authorised shoots.
For example:-
Two men were recovering from leg wounds after being shot with a shotgun during an organised shoot near Dunning, Perthshire. The police stated that one member of the group accidentally discharged his gun. A man has been charged under the Firearms Act but has been cleared of failing to ensure his shotgun was safe. All those involved were members of a hunting party shooting geese.
Source: BBC, 18 May 2010
SHOTGUN OFFENCES
Shotguns are consistently used in offences. There were 602 shotgun offences recorded in 2007/8, a slight reduction from the previous year. However over the last decade the trend is rising, from 565 offences in 1997/8 to 602 in 2007/8.
Source: Home Office Statistical Bulletin 01/09 - Homicides, Firearm Offences and Intimate Violence 2008/09 (Supplementary Volume 2 to Crime in England and Wales 2008/09). To view on this site visit the "links" page and select 'Home Office Statistics'.
METROPOLITAN POLICE RAISE CONCERNS ABOUT SHOTGUN STORAGE.
Forty-five shotguns have come into the hands of the Met since the beginning of 2009 and several have been linked to thefts from shotgun holders across the UK.
There are about 24,000 shotgun certificate holders in the capital owning around 50,000 weapons.
Det. Supt. Gary Donnison from the Metropolitan Police anti-shooting unit, said: "The lower cost of ammunition, the ease of use and the absence of viable alternatives means that shotguns are being used by criminals as an accessory to their crimes. These weapons are either already circulating within the criminal community or they have been stolen from their lawful owners - in London and across the rest of the UK." Det. Supt Donnison went on to urge all owners of shotguns to ensure that they take every care to store and transport their weapons correctly and responsibly and to report any suspicious activity to the police.
The Met said that between January and July 2009 there had been 55 crimes where a shotgun was fired - a 53% increase on the same period in 2008.
Source: BBC
STOLEN SHOTGUNS
Incidents of lost or stolen shotguns occur regularly in all areas of the UK. Legal owners of shotguns contribute indirectly to gun crime and must be aware of their responsibilities regarding safe storage and transportation of weapons. Strict enforcement is in the interests of public safety and crime prevention.
For Example:
Six guns were stolen from a farmer's home in Dumfries. The haul included five shotguns and a rifle, all legally owned prior to their theft. Now police have said they are searching for the missing guns in hopes they don't 'fall into the wrong hands'. In addition to stealing the firearms, the burglars took cash and other items.
Source: Dumfries and Galloway Standard, l8 November 2011
Four men have been jailed for robbing a 78-year-old man at his farmhouse inDorset. The men tied up the victim and stole shotguns, money and a truck. Caleb Holland was given a 12-year sentence after he drove the robbers and gave them details about the farm. Jake Borland, Samir Lammali and Michael Seddon, aged 21 to 23, were each sentenced to seven years and six months. A fifth man connected with the group, Ryan Dear, pleaded guilty to possessing firearms and was jailed for one year.
Source: BBC News, 4 November 2011
Five shotguns were stolen from a house in Melton, Leicestershire. The guns were licensed, but are now at-large after being taken earlier in September.
Source: Melton Times, 21 September 2011
Stephen McGoldrick and Lee Walters have been jailed for five years and three and a half years, respectively, after they stole shotguns from a house in Peopleton, Worcestershire in June 2010. The men reportedly robbed multiple homes and stole other property in addition to the firearms worth £10k.
Source: Tewkesbury Admag, 9 September 2011
Five shotguns were stolen from a home in Cheshire. One of the guns, all of which were legally owned, was recovered. Police said the remaining four shotguns were circulated to other forces as stolen.
The Sentinel, 21 July 2011
A 15-year-old boy admitted stealing his father's loaded shotgun in Moray in October 2010. Heavily drunk at the time, the boy left his house with the gun and assaulted two people, who beat him after they were able to get the gun off him. A sentence was deferred.
Source: STV 13 June 2011
Police found a shotgun and ammunition inside a man's wardrobe in Whitworth, Lancashire when they searched his home. He admitted failing to comply with the conditions of his firearm certificate through the unsafe storage and may lose the certificate, which he had for four guns at the property. He was fined £365.
Source: Lancashire Telegraph, 16 June 2011
Three shotguns were stolen from a home in Bawsey, Norfolk. Police said the house was burgled over the bank holiday weekend and the guns were taken from a locked cabinet.
Source: Lynn News, 4 June 2011
SHOTGUN SUICIDES
Those with access to shotguns (and rifles) use them in suicide and self-harm. Legal owners, and members of their family who are able to access guns, are most at risk during times of crisis linked to financial problems, relationship breakdowns, health, psychological and emotional stress.
If you or someone you know is worried about the behaviour or state of mind of a gun owner or someone with access to guns, please contact us on 0771 9696 279 (anonymously if you wish) or the police
For example:-
Michael Atherton, a 42 year old licensed gun owner with a history of arrests for domestic violence and a caution for common assault, killed his partner, Susan McGoldrick, her sister Alison Turnbull and her niece Tanya Turnbull in Horden Co. Durham in January 2012 before taking his own life. Mr. Atherton had a history of intoxication and relationship problems.
Source: BBC News l6 January 2012
Stephen Armstrong, a 45 year old Managing Director from Mortimer took his own life with a shotgun in July 2011. Mr. Armstrong, who had previously attempted suicide following family bereavements and had recently had relationship difficulties with his partner, was found to have a level of alcohol in his blood just over twice the drink/drive limit. He had been a member of Happy Valley Gun Club and, despite suffering from depression, he continued to have access to two legally owned guns.
Source: www.getreading.co.uk/news 19 December 2011
Mark French, a building contractor whose business failed in 2009, resulting in the loss of the family's home and cars, took his own life with a shotgun on May 27th 2011. The family initially took the keys to his gun cabinet out of the house, but later returned them. Despite having suffered from depression and unpredictable moods Mr. French continued to have access to a legally owned shotgun.
Source: Lynn News, l4 October 2011
Neil Wilkinson, a 42 year old man from Chesterfield who was said to have become 'controlling and jealous' used a shotgun from a cabinet in his father's home to take his own life following the breakdown of a seven year relationship. Earlier Mr. Wilkinson set fire to his car and wrecked his house with a sledgehammer. He was found to have taken a significant amount of cocaine. Despite expressing suicidal thoughts Mr. Wilkinson continued to have access to a legally owned shotgun.
Source: The Star, 22 October 2011
Mike Gard, a 37 year old Policeman took his own life with a licensed shotgun he used to shoot pheasants after his partner, the mother of his two children, confronted him about a text message on his phone which led her to believed he had formed a friendship with another person. His body was discovered on Blofield Heath on l9th April 2011 and the shotgun was found close by. Mike Gard was a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: Mail Online, 21 September 2011
Anthony Donnellan, a 51 year old man who had drunk the equivalent of four times the drink driving limit took his own life by a fishing lake at Godmanchester in June 2011 using a shotgun from his gun safe. Mr. Donnellan left a note indicating he had been contemplating suicide for two years and expressing his love for his family. Mr. Donnellan was believed to have been a licensed gun owner.
Source News and Crier, 22 September 2011
Peter Noel Wentworth, a 92 year old retired farmer suffering from cancer took his own life in the garden of his home in Easingwold in June 2011. The shotgun was said to be old but in working condition.
Source: Gazette & Herald 8 September 2011
Matthew Taffs, a 41 year old roofing contractor from Dersingham, Norfolk, was found dead in his home on 29th April 2011. The Norfolk Coroner has called for a review of the firearm licence application process following revelations that Mr. Taffs still held a shotgun licence despite suffering from longstanding anxiety and depression and known to have a long history of alcohol abuse. Mr. Taffs was a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: Lynn News 23 August 2011
Terence Howe, a 53 year old former Daventry District Council gardener who had been diagnosed with an aggressive tumour shot himself on 31st March 2011 with a shotgun used to keep rabbits away from his allotment.
Source: Northamptonshire Chronicle 19th August 2011
Alex Langrish, a 21 year old man who had just been accepted as a Special Constable by Essex Police was found dead with a shotgun at his side at Baddock Farm, Stebbing, in a car belonging to his father on December 6th 2010 with a suicide not on the dashboard.
Source: Thisistotalessex, 15 July 2011
Pamela Thomas, a 59 year old lady from Heacham, with a long-standing history of anxiety, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome, accessed one of her husband's seven legally owned guns and used one to take her own life. Her GP Adrian Clifton said she had made good progress on increased anti-depressants. Her husband Aubrey claimed he hid the keys to his gun cabinet after his wife took an overdose in March. The Norfolk Coroner is to raise concerns with Norfolk police regarding the scope of firearms licence applications. Mr. Thomas is a licensed gun owner.
Source: Lynn News, 14 July 2011
Mark Payne, the proprietor of the Oxenham Arms, South Zeal, known to be suffering from financial problems for several months, was found dead with a shotgun type weapon beside him.
Source: Oakhampton People 13 July 2011
Steve Chant, a 59 year old of Kilve Crescent Taunton, former husband of Terry whose life was said to be 'complicated' took his own life in June 2011 with a shotgun outside the home of a woman with whom he was said to have been having an affair. According to comments by friends Mr. Chant was 'a true countryman'. Mr. Chant was believed to have been a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: This is the West Country, 15 June 2011
Calum Murray, 18, a trainee gamekeeper on work experience on the Glenavon Estate in Scotland took his own life immediately after he accidentally shot and killed his girlfriend l6 year old Sophie Taylor while cleaning his shotgun in the kitchen of the cottage accommodation provided on the estate. Calum was a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: BBC News, 14 April 2011
Robert Jeffrey Small, 54, a father who blamed himself for the death of his 34 year old son, was found dead in Newport in October 2010 with a sawn off shotgun by his side.
Source: Western Mail, 18 March 2011
Andrea Armitage, 26, a sandwich firm worker from Middleham North Yorkshire has been found dead in the bath at the home she shared with husband Christopher. Mrs. Armitage was said to have been behaving oddly recently and is thought to have been sacked from her job. The couple had a licence for the shotgun she used to take her own life.
Source: Mail Online 17 March 2011
Nicholas Corless, a 36 year old police firearms officer of Sutton Manor has been discovered with a fatal shotgun injury to the head, in a parked car in St. Helens. Police say they are not treating the death as suspicious. Mr. Corless was believed to have been a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: St Helens Star 3 March 2011
Andrew White, a 45 year old kitchen and bathroom fitter and father of two, took his own life after a drink fueled argument with his wife at their home on 29th July 2011. The inquest heard that the marriage had broken down, divorce proceedings had begun and Mr. White was about to move out of the marital home. His wife feared for her own life when Mr. White opened his gun cabinet. Mr. White was a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: Yorkshire Evening Post, 23 February 2011
David Le Cluse, a 44 year old businessman, Chairman of Croydeon Athletic Football Club, and owner of a pest control business, was found dead in a lock up garage. An inquest ruled that he killed himself. Mr. Le Cluse was said to be very upset, and worried about his finances, after the Club became embroiled in scandal when its owner, Mazhar Majeed, was accused of fixing a cricket match between Pakistan and England. Mr. Le Cluse was believed to have been a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: This is Local London, 14 February 2011
Colin Paul Cope, a 61 year old former lorry driver from Haxby, who lost his job in December, left his home with his shotgun after he'd been drinking. His partner feared he mighty shoot her. His car was found in a driveway near his home and he was discovered with a shotgun wound to his head. Mr. Cope was believed to have been a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: The Press, 10 February 2011
Geoffrey Pointer a 61 year old lorry driver of Didcot who was seriously depressed and could no longer stand his worsening health, shot himself with his double-barrelled shotgun in September 2010. A Coroner recorded that Mr. Pointer took his own life. Mr. Pointer was believed to have been a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: Oxford Mail 10 February 2011
Patrick John Pearce a 65 year old retired chemist from Frodsham was diagnosed with a terminal illness in 1999. On June 11th 2010 while suffering from unbearable pain Mr. Pearce took his own life using his shotgun. Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg recorded a verdict of suicide. Mr. Pearce was a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: Chester Chronicle 27 Jan 2011
Antony Diggle was a 44 year old landscape gardener and clay pigeon shooter diagnosed with anxiety problems by his GP in November 2009, prescribed antidepressants and referred to mental health specialists. He became suicidal and took his own life on 22nd August 2010. Mr. Diggle was a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: Knutsford Guardian 29 January 2011
Infer Trust has concerns regarding patients known to be depressed, suicidal and on prescription drugs for their condition, yet who are able to continue to keep their guns in their homes.
Peter Pollard, a 62 year old man who divided his time between his narrow boat and his daughter's home in Kings Norton was found dead on his boat with a shotgun at his side on 22nd January 2011. Mr. Pollard was believed to have been a licensed shotgun owner.
Source: Birmingham Mail 27.1.2011
Clive Ronald Elliot, a 39 year old gardener was found dead at his home in Loders in September 2010 after Louise Wilcox, with whom he had been having a relationship, told him he couldn't move in with her because it was too soon. Mr. Elliot was discovered in the kitchen with shotgun wounds and a shotgun by his side.
Source: Bridport News, 22 September 2010
Russell Stevens a businessman, whose life fell apart after he left his partner for her son's ex-girlfriend was found dead with a double-barrelled shotgun in Devon in April 2010. Mr. Stevens had planned and organised his own funeral. Deputy Devon Coroner recorded a verdict of Suicide.
Source: The Sun, 29 October 2010
James Lyon a young farmer, shot himself dead minutes after getting a text message from his girlfriend saying her father wanted them to split up the day after he had crashed the car in which they were travelling whilst drunk. An inquest heard that he killed himself in his room at his home in North Benfleet Essex. The gun was said to be licensed to be used by himself and his parents.
Source: Daily Mail, 4 August 2010
Alexander Codrington A 16-year-old boy, son of Baronet Sir Christopher Codrington shot himself while on the phone to the police. A shot was heard when police contacted the boy after fears were raised for him by a friend who warned that he may have a gun and was suicidal. Alexander and a girlfriend had just split up. He was pronounced dead at the scene in woods near Leafield, Oxfordshire. Alexander is believed to have had access to a licensed shotgun.
Source: BBC 4 August 2010
An opening inquest has heard that a man shot himself in the head after a drunken argument with his wife at their home in Gildersome, West Yorkshire, in July 2010. The man was a licensed shotgun owner. A full inquest will be held at a later date.
Source: Yorkshire Evening Post, 6 August 2010
Alexander Berry, facing child sex abuse charges was found dead near his home in Holywood, Dumfries. A shotgun was lying next to him. Mr. Berry was known to be a former shotgun licence holder and past President of Cameronian Scottish rifles.
Source: Dumfries Standard 9 June 2010
Byron Bevan is understood to have taken his own life with a shotgun in Pantygog, Mid Glamorgan. His body was found at allotments near his home. Police confirmed that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Source: Wales Online 1 June 2010
Roy Amor, 61 died after shooting himself outside his house in Horwich, Greater Manchester, with a legally registered shotgun in February 2010. The man was described as a gun enthusiast. An inquest heard that he shot himself in the head because he feared he would be sacked over an "upsetting joke" he made to a colleague. The coroner concluded he took his own life.
Source:- Bolton News, 18 May 2010
Wayne Herdman, a 45 year old electrical engineer took his own life in Crynant, Wales in May 2010 using one of his own shotguns despite the efforts of his wife to wrestle his gun off him. An inquest heard that Mr. Herdman suffered from a painful neck condition. On the night of his death his wife had asked him to stop drinking. However he was found to be under the influence of alcohol and the prescription drug Diazepam, which the Coronor noted would have had a 'a detrimental affect' on decision making. Mr. Herdman was a licensed shotgun owner with two guns and ammunition stored in his home.
Source: This is South Wales, 5 May 2010
Steven Sheldon, aged 19 took his own life at his home in Stinchcombe, Gloucestershire, in July 2008 with a single shotgun wound to the head, the gun is believed to be legally held by the boy's father.
Source: Gazette, 10 Feb 2010
David Carr, aged 40, a gun enthusiast, took his own life in September 2009.
Source: Evening Standard 26 February 2010
Robert Brailsford, aged 53 of Oadby took his own life with what is believed to be a legallyl held shotgun being used at Kibworth Shooting Range in January 2010.
Source: Harborough Mail, 11 March 2010
Financial crisis increases suicides and homicides
Market crashes could lead to rises in homicides and suicides, unless governments invest in labour market protections, according to a study published in The Lancet July 2009. Researchers at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Oxford University estimated that soaring stress brought on by job losses could prompt a 2.4% rise in suicide rates in people under-64 years of age, a 2.7% rise in heart attack deaths in men between 30 and 44 years, and a 2.4% rise in homicides rates, corresponding to thousands of deaths in European Union countries, such as the UK.
Source: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 - 18:24 in Psychology & Sociology London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
For information and support on issues of suicide and self harm visit www.uk-sobs.org.uk or see our 'Links and resources' page.
If you or someone you know is suffering from stress, depression, debt problems or a mental or physical illness, access to any gun could be dangerous and inappropriate. Please contact a Doctor, a mental health worker, the Police or Infer Trust for advice and support.
LEGAL SHOTGUNS OWNERS AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Legal shotgun owners who have instant access to weapons legally stored in homes resort to their guns at times of emotional stress, anger and jealousy.
Jacek Piwowarski has been jailed for two years after threatening to shoot his ex-wife and possessing a loaded shotgun in Lincolnshire. Piwowarski admitted assault, possessing a loaded shotgun in a public place and breaching his shotgun licence. He reportedly grabbed his ex-wife, leaving red marks on her arms, and told her he would 'shoot her head off'.
Source: Boston Standard, 25th November 2011
SHOTGUNS - MURDER/SUICIDES
A married couple have been found dead at a house in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, after a suspected shooting incident. The police are not believed to be looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. It is reported that the man took his double-barrelled shotgun from a locked cabinet and waited for his wife to return from her job. He shot her and then himself. It is alleged by one of the man's friends that he had said that "he'd had enough of his wife and was going home to shoot her. We knew he had a gun licence".
Source: BBC, 17 March 2010
After walking in on his former partner and friend of his at her home in Navenby, Lincolnshire, Jamie Belton went home and armed himself with his licensed shotgun. When he returned to the property he fired the gun into the ceiling. He admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage and has been jailed for four years.
Source: Lincolnshire Echo, l7 January 2011
A husband and wife suffered serious injuries during a dispute between neighbours in Nordelph, Norfolk. Both received firearms injuries. A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and a shotgun was recovered from the scene. It is suggested that there had been a long-running dispute over a dog (Telegraph, 24 June 2010). A man has been convicted of two counts of attempted murder (see January 2011 Incidents).
Source: BBC 23 June 2010
Andrew Ardle twice fired a sawn-off shotgun at a man whom he wrongly suspected of trying to "chat up" his wife. The incident took place in Stanley, County Durham, in August 2009 (see Incidents). His victim gave chase by car and the chase ended when he shunted Ardle's car in Durham City. Ardle was found near his damaged vehicle with his legally-held Beretta 12-bore shotgun which he had illegally shortened the day before. He was jailed for seven years after admitting two counts of possessing a firearm with intent to cause a fear of violence, possessing a loaded shotgun in a public place, shortening a shotgun and possessing a prohibited firearm. His victim admitted dangerous driving and was given a suspended prison sentence and was banned from driving.
Source: Northern Echo, 26 February 2010
SHOTGUN OWNERS AND DRUGS/ ALCOHOL/
BEHAVIOUR AND ANGER ISSUES
Peter Shalson, a keen hunter, has admitted firing a shotgun to disable a burglar alarm next to his home in St John's Wood, north west London. The incident took place in January 2010 (see Incidents). He admitted possessing a firearm with intent to commit criminal damage. He has been sentenced to 100 hours for possessing a firearm and another 100 hours for causing damage to doors, a lamp, windows and the burglar alarm (BBC, 28 March 2011
Source: Evening Standard, 14 February 2011
When Edward Smith was visited by a police officer at his caravan in Nethertown, Cumbria, after neighbours complained he was behaving erratically he was found to be unsteady on his feet and had a 12-bore shotgun on his coffee table. He picked up the gun and kept it on his lap and seemed angry and aggressive. The officer left and called for back up. Armed officers arrested Smith. He has been given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a 12-month community order. His shotgun licence was revoked and the gun and ammunition will be confiscated and destroyed.
Source: News and Star, 2 October 2010
SHOTGUN OWNERS AND ANIMAL CRUELTY
For example:-
The bodies of a pair of swans found in Horningtoft, Norfolk, were "peppered" with shot. Tens upon tens of shotgun pellets filled their entire bodies, wings and heads.
Source:- BBC 12 February 2010
SHOTGUN OWNERS AND BIRDS OF PREY
Birds of prey hunt the same species as those hunted by many sports shooters. This makes them unwelcome on moorland and other areas used for game shooting, and unpopular with gamekeepers and those involved with managing locations for shooting businesses. Despite the fact that buzzards and other birds of prey are 'protected' species there are an increasing number of reports of rare and/or protected birds of prey being found killed and injured.
For example:
A goshawk was found peppered with shotgun pellets on moorland in Bransdale, North Yorkshire. It had been shot in flight. An x-ray confirmed that a pellet had gone through one thigh and another pellet had got into a lung which killed the bird.
Source: Gazette & Herald, 5th March 2010
SHOTGUNS - FINANCIAL COST TO THE PUBLIC
The considerable cost of armed response unit call outs are routinely met from the public purse. Individuals whose actions make an armed response necessary are not currently required to pay for the cost their behaviour incurred.
Ryan Cummings has been ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid community work after possessing a loaded shotgun in a public place in Millom, Cumbria. Cummings drove away from a shooting range with the weapon on his car roof. Police recovered it on the side of the road after Cummings alerted them. His shotgun licence has now been revoked.
Source: Northwest Evening Mail, 25 November 2011
An armed response unit was called to a house in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, following reports of a man seen brandishing a firearm. Police spoke to a man who had three shotguns in his home. He was arrested for suspected breach of the peace but was later released without change. The shotguns were legally-possessed.
Source: Wisbech Standard, 25 October 2010
