A PENSIONER who held an illegal arsenal of more than 100 guns at his home has been jailed for five years.
Retired rail worker William Charles Hughes, 66, had earlier admitted two charges of selling illegal firearms and 13 of possessing illegal guns.
Police found 111 weapons while the Army had to dispose of a deactivated grenade at his home in Gwersyllt, Wrexham.
His barrister told Caernarfon Crown Court "the world was a very different place" when Hughes' interest began.
Hughes also had 24 shotguns and 37 rifles at his house.
He also admitted a charge of possessing ammunition.
Police raided Hughes' house in June and found an arsenal of illegal guns, some of which were hidden in a false water tank in the attic.
One of the 37 handguns found was loaded and there was also a deactivated grenade which an army bomb disposal team was called in to make safe.
Hughes also admitted selling two guns, including a semi automatic pistol to another collector.
Prosecutor Ed Beltrami said Hughes told police that he was a member of a gun club but the illegal weapons did not leave his house.
He added: "He left the firearms around the house because he didn't have enough secure cabinets in which to store them."
Simon Medland, defending Hughes, said his client never had any intention of using the guns and the law had changed since he started collecting, particularly after the Dunblane school shootings in 1996. He added: "This is the first time he's been before the courts.
"When Mr Hughes began his interest in firearms the world was a very different place in its approach to guns."
Some of the guns dated back to the 18th and 19th Centuries and a large number of weapons at the property were held legally, the court heard.
But Judge John Rogers said Hughes had been aware of the change in the law on guns and sentenced him to five years in jail.
He told him: "You, I'm sure, now appreciate the gravity of storing at your home so many prohibited firearms and ammunition."
Well, if someone with that many weapons is that careless with them he should get a significant punishment, perhaps even prison. Five years is a bit much though, even if he will get out in 2,5, I'd imagine community service might have been a better alternative.
I don't think he has done anything wrong, the whole issue is a farse IMO. If he wants to own that many firearms he should be totally able to, that's his democratic choice.
“It is a paradoxical truth, that… the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut the tax rates.” -- John F. Kennedy
Funny thing is im going to be a police officer next year and If guns were banned here...well I'd have to break the law. I am a collecter too. I couldent give up a piece of history like my 98 or my Garand...
"Has the whole world gone crazy?! Am I the only one around here who gives a shit about the rules?!" - WALTER
However collectors should not have a use for ammunition.
I have several rifle shells from WW1. I've no use for them. They can be just as much collectibles as firearms. Well, anything, really, can be a collectible.
The law itself is wrong, that is what I am saying.
You could make up all sorts of laws and use that logic for justification. For instance if patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time was made illegal, doesn't mean that it's the wrong thing to do, it's just a dumb law.
Quote:
Being a collector is one thing. However collectors should not have a use for ammunition.
How incredibly arbitrary of you.
“It is a paradoxical truth, that… the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut the tax rates.” -- John F. Kennedy
There's a difference between live ammunition and spent shells. Even I had a rifle shell at one point. You don't need live ammunition for 111 guns unless you're planning for a zombie invasion or something.
This site is part of the Defy Media Gaming network
The best serving of video game culture, since 2001. Whether you're looking for news, reviews, walkthroughs, or the biggest collection of PC gaming files on the planet, Game Front has you covered. We also make no illusions about gaming: it's supposed to be fun. Browse gaming galleries, humor lists, and honest, short-form reporting. Game on!
The Pub 
Britain's new political prisoner: 
.gif "Sad at the sad color")
I couldent give up a piece of history like my 98 or my Garand... 
Linear Mode
