THE Parish of St Saviour will have to reconsider whether a man with previous mental health issues can keep ammunition at his home.
A parishioner who takes part in shooting as a hobby took the parish to the Royal Court, having been refused renewal of his firearms licence.
The Royal Court heard the man’s appeal under the Firearms (Jersey) Law 2000 at the end of last month.
The petitioner had a previous history of difficulties with his mental health including suicidal ideation, the court heard – but updated doctors’ letters were said to be “quite different” from each other.
The man explained in court that the type of gun he used used a specific kind of ammunition.
The Jersey Pistol Club – who run two ranges in the Island – had told him they weren’t able to store members’ equipment, he said. The club also doesn’t store members’ firearms, the court heard.
Commissioner Matthew Thompson, presiding, asked St Saviour Constable Kevin Lewis why he had not taken into account the most recent doctor’s letter.
Advocate Christopher Austin, representing Mr Lewis, said the most recent letter “was received very late in the day”.
“The concerns that the Constable had previously expressed remain,” he said.
He adjourned the hearing, saying: “Because the Constable must address the letter of Dr Garcia dated 15 October, it is his duty to decide whether or note to decide to grant a licence based on that letter.”
In making that decision, the Commissioner said Mr Lewis would be allowed to discuss the letter with others, including the doctor who wrote it or with the parishioner himself.
Mr Lewis will have to write his reasons formally and if he does not grant the parishioner his licence, proceedings will continue.
He was given two weeks to make a decision.
Commissioner Matthew Thompson was presiding with Lieutenant-Bailiff Jane Ronge and Jurat Cornish.
