Offensive Weapons and Firearms

Question 1

What act does possessing a bladed or sharply pointed article in a public place fall under?

Answer 1

s 139 (1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988

Question 2

What act does possessing an offensive weapon in a public place fall under?

Answer 2

S 1 (1) of the Prevention Of Crime Act 1953

Question 3

What is a readily convertible firearm?

Answer 3

Any imitation firearm that can be converted with a simple process that does not require special skils/tools

Question 4

What constitutes a realistic imitation firearm?

Answer 4

Any item that looks like a modern firearm (same size and colour)

Imitations of firearms made pre 1870 not subject to legislation

Question 5

Who issues shotgun certificates/licences?

Answer 5

Chief police officer where the applicant lives?

Question 6

What is the offence to having a s 1 firearm without appropriate certificate?

Answer 6

It is an offence for a person to have in their possession (physical control and knowledge of)

or to purchase or acquire

a firearm (exc shotgun/air weapon)

or ammunition

without holding a firearm certificate

Question 7

What are the offences and ages with young people and firearms?

Answer 7

An offence to sell or hire a firearm (inc ammunition and imitations) to a person under 18 (also an offence for anyone under 18 to purchase)

An offence to give, lend, part with s1 firearm or ammunition to a person under 14 - defence if believed were older

Question 7

What are the offences and ages with young people and firearms?

Answer 7

An offence to sell or hire a firearm (inc ammunition and imitations) to a person under 18 (also an offence for anyone under 18 to purchase)

An offence to give, lend, part with s1 firearm or ammunition to a person under 14 - defence if believed were older

Question 8

What is included in the offence to have firearms/ammunition in a public place?

Answer 8

Loaded shotguns

Air weapons (inc unloaded)

s1 firearms (inc unloaded)

prohibited weapons (inc unloaded)

imitation firearms

s1 firearm ammunition

Question 9

For what is a firearm certificate required?

Answer 9

s1 firearms

shotguns

some ammunition

any firearm components

Question 10

What is the offence of arranging the minding of a dangerous weapon?

Answer 10

To make arrangements for another person to look after, hide, or transport a dangerous weapon (inc sharp/bladed/firearms) to help make it available for an unlawful purpose

Question 11

What is the offence of possession of a weapon in a private place?

Answer 11

It is an offence to possess, make or manufacture any item with intent

or enable any other person to commit any other offence within the act

Question 12

What is the offence of threatening with a weapon in a public place or school?

Answer 12

To make a threat (intentional and unlawful, create immediate risk of serious physical harm (GBH))

with an offensive weapon or bladed/sharply pointed article

Aggravated version of possession offences

Question 13

What are the classifications and powers of search for offensive weapon possession in schools compared to public places?

Answer 13

The same.

Do need to be in uniform.

Question 14

What are the defences to possessing a bladed or sharp article in a public place?

Answer 14

Lawful authority - e.g. police/army on duty

For use at work

Religious reasons

Part of a national costume

Question 15

What is a bladed or sharply pointed article?

Answer 15

Bladed is any article which has been given a cutting edge or blade (Scissors, kitchen knife etc)

Sharply pointed is any article given a sharp point (needle/compass)

Pocket knives with blade under 3 inches are exempt

Question 16

What are reasonable excuses for possession of an offensive weapon in a public place?

Answer 16

• fear for safety
• innocent reason, e.g. chef carrying knives to work

Unreasonable excuses include forgetfulness, ignorance of weapons true identity and general self defence

Question 17

Explain the offence of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place

Answer 17

It is an offence for…

any person without lawful authority

or reasonable excuse

to have with them (includes within reach, must have awareness)

in any public place

any offensive weapon

Question 18

What is a dangerous weapon?

Answer 18

A specific offensive weapon classified as dangerous.

e.g. disguised knife, knuckleduster, samurai sword