A man has been ordered to pay over £11,000 after a Crown Court Judge upholds Cumbria Constabulary’s decision to refuse a shotgun certificate.

A former shotgun certificate holder who’s certificate was revoked over 12 years ago has seen his appeal against the decision dismissed at a Crown Court hearing in Carlisle on Tuesday, November 4.

The Court upheld Cumbria Constabulary’s decision, finding that reasoning for the refusal was sound and properly made out and that the appellant demonstrates a danger to public safety, due to historic offending and behaviours in relation to his previous period as a certificate holder.

The Appellant was ordered to pay Constabulary costs of £11,239.60.

Cumbria Constabulary T/Deputy Chief Constable Jonathan Blackwell said: “Our priority is to keep our communities in Cumbria safe, part of this is upholding the highest standards for firearms certificate holders and ensuring these standards are met.

“The decision to refuse the application was based on grounds for concerns of public safety, where previous warnings regarding conduct were ignored.

“It is important to acknowledge that the majority of certificate holders comply with all requirements relating to their possession of firearms and this case should serve as a reminder to certificate holders, of their duty and responsibilities.”

Cumbria Constabulary’s firearms licensing suitability assessments adhere to national guidance which consider previous convictions, integrity and honesty, and compliance with the strict conditions and responsibilities of being a licensed firearms holder.