A higher sentence for the possession of a firearm when prohibited could be justified despite the fact that the maximum sentence under the Firearms Act 1968 for this offence was the same as the maximum sentence for offences concerning the possession of a firearm without a certificate. This was because there was likely to be a greater public concern if someone who was expressly debarred from such possession went on to possess such a weapon.

CA (Crim Div) (Simon Brown LJ, Richards J, Judge Colston QC)

15/03/1999