Williamson, R. v

Williamson, R. v

The pistol in question was incapable in law of being a firearm or component part thereof under the Firearms Act 1968, as clarified by R v Bewley; therefore, the conviction for possession of a prohibited firearm could not stand.

Parties
Appellant: Trai Williamson; Respondent: Regina
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
02 August 2012
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Leave to Appeal Against Conviction
Outcome
appeal allowed in part; conviction on count 1 quashed; convictions and sentences on counts 2 and 3 upheld
Legal Topics
Firearms, Possession of Prohibited Weapon, Interpretation of Firearms Act 1968, Component Parts of Firearms
Criminal Law Firearms Possession of Prohibited Weapon Interpretation of Firearms Act 1968 Component Parts of Firearms

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Parties

Trai Williamson

Appellant

Regina

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Renewed Application for Leave to Appeal Against Conviction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the converted blank-firing pistol constituted a firearm or component part thereof under section 57(1) of the Firearms Act 1968
  2. 2 Whether the conviction for possession of a prohibited firearm was sustainable in light of R v Bewley [2012] EWCA Crim 1457

Ratio Decidendi

The pistol in question was incapable in law of being a firearm or component part thereof under the Firearms Act 1968, as clarified by R v Bewley; therefore, the conviction for possession of a prohibited firearm could not stand.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed in part; conviction on count 1 quashed; convictions and sentences on counts 2 and 3 upheld

Orders

  • Conviction for possession of a prohibited firearm (count 1) quashed
  • Convictions and sentences for possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply (counts 2 and 3) remain