Crime brief

Commencement order No 3 (SI 2007/2180) brings in to force large parts of this Act on 1 October 2007. Sections 32 to 40 deal with the manufacture, sale and purchase of weapons—air and imitation. All sales of air weapons will have to be made “face to face” and the minimum age for acquiring an air weapon is raised from 17 to 18 years.

It will be an offence to manufacture, import or sell realistic imitation weapons. “Realistic imitation firearm” is defined in s 38 as being an imitation firearm which (i) has the appearance that is so realistic as to make it indistinguishable, for all practical purposes, from a real firearm and (ii) is neither a de-activated firearm nor itself an antique. Further detailed guidance is given in subs-s 2 and 3. The maximum penalty for carrying an imitation firearm in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse is increased from six to 12 months’ imprisonment.

CDS DIRECT

Following representations by the Law Society, the Legal Services Commission