‘Worried’ farmer to lose guns

This is in Australia where there is strict gun control, confiscation and licensing. See how easily a citizen becomes a criminal - USA next?

A FIFTH generation Table Top farmer has lost firearms estimated to be worth $20,000 after failing to safely store them.

Terence Robert Wright pleaded guilty in Albury Local Court yesterday to charges of failing to safely keep a prohibited weapon and failing to safely keep a non-prohibited weapon.

Twelve other charges were withdrawn by police prosecutor Sgt Bob Hanzic.

Wright was placed on a 12-month bond without conviction on the two charges.

Magistrate Tony Murray was told Wright, 56, of “Dundooga”, had seven firearms dismantled and secreted in the roof of his house in an attempt to hide them from his son.

Wright left some gun parts in his gun safe and put other parts elsewhere.

Wright was concerned about his son or his son’s de facto having access to the guns because there was an ongoing dispute between them.

But Mr Murray said it was a poor judgement call by Wright to adopt the approach he did.

“The penalties provided by the legislation are quite severe,” Mr Murray said.

Under the legislation the firearms had to be forfeited and that was a severe penalty in itself.

Barrister Guy Newton told the court Wright had tried to protect his son and his son’s partner and the circumstances of the case were “somewhat exceptional”.

He said Wright has been using firearms from a young age and they were essential in his occupation as a farmer.

The loss of a firearms licence would be a significant penalty.

Kangaroos were causing problems and cockatoos recently attacked a grain storage bunker causing $50,000 to $60,000 damage.

Wright has a 1200ha property running sheep and cattle.

Mr Newton said Wright had no previous convictions.

Wright was suspended from possessing and using a firearm when the guns had been seized on March 20 last year.

One of the guns seized, a .22 rifle with a scope, was given to him on his 12th birthday.

Mr Murray said it was his opinion that the NSW Police Commissioner should not take any action on Wright’s firearms licence and he should retain it.