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More 'lessons learned', I suppose.

(29 Posts)
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Sarnia Sat 14-Aug-21 09:19:29

Last Christmas Devon police revoked the firearms licence for the gunman who shot 6 people dead on Thursday. The reason being given that there was an accusation of assault against him. He was sent on an anger management course and last month he had his licence and guns returned to him resulting in what we now know would have catastrophic results. Was it as easy as that? Was there any follow up on a clearly unstable young man who had some unnerving posts on social media? Surely some follow up care might have helped him mentally and reinforced the decision to remove his firearms in the first place. There is an internal enquiry going on and I suppose we will hear the usual statement of 'lessons learned'. Are they though?

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foxie48 Sun 15-Aug-21 17:01:38

I used to shoot competitively with a .22 pistol. The conditions of my licence were that I kept the gun in the locked cabinets at the gun club and I could only buy ammunition from the club and it was signed for. The regulations are pretty strict but it doesn't mean people stick to them. I think this young man had a shot gun and tbh I am very surprised that he got his licence back I'm sure this will result in some more tightening of the laws. I feel very sad for everyone who has lost family or friends.

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growstuff Sun 15-Aug-21 17:35:53

lovebeigecardigans1955

I can only imagine that this young man got his gun through the internet, no questions asked, as he seems to have spent most of his time online, he can't have bought it by the usual channels (whatever they are) could he? It has been reported that police admit that they 'may have made a mistake' and it makes you wonder at their naivety.

He had mental health problems for many years which started at school. A sad day indeed.

There seem to be some questions about whether his mental health problems ever went through official channels. I expect they will be investigated, but it seems that at the moment there's quite a bit of speculation about his mental health and autism history.

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Tizliz Sun 15-Aug-21 17:53:19

lovebeigecardigans1955

I can only imagine that this young man got his gun through the internet, no questions asked, as he seems to have spent most of his time online, he can't have bought it by the usual channels (whatever they are) could he? It has been reported that police admit that they 'may have made a mistake' and it makes you wonder at their naivety.

He had mental health problems for many years which started at school. A sad day indeed.

You cannot buy a gun on line. You can advertise it but all sales have to go through a registered gun dealer, and show your licence. It is not even that easy. Your licence says what guns you are allowed and you either have to sell one and send your licence to the police to be amended then go back to the dealer collect the gun and send your licence off again. Or you can apply for an additional firearm, send your licence off …..

All firearms you own are listed on the licence with their description and serial number.

What I can’t understand is what Devon police firearms dept were doing. The rules are clear.

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