Court / Woman fined for possessing ‘relic’ rifle without licence

A WOMAN from Yell who did not realise she needed a licence for an old air rifle passed down through her family has been fined £120.

Milena Savage, of Voeview, admitted possessing an air rifle at her home address on 1 August without an air weapon certificate.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday that the 24-year-old told police about the gun when they attended the property on another matter.

He said the rifle was old and from her father, while no ammunition was present.

Defence agent Tommy Allan described the gun as a “relic” given to Savage when her father passed away.

He said his client did not realise that a licence was required for possessing the rifle, and that she believed it was inoperable.

Referring to a crown motion for forfeiture of the rifle, Allan said Savage would like to keep the gun.

He added that his client had taken up a job at the Moorfield Hotel in Brae before it burned down in the summer.

Allan suggested to Sheriff Ian Cruickshank that in light of the circumstances that he could consider an absolute discharge.

However, Sheriff Cruickshank said it was important to send out a message regarding the possession of guns.

“I take account of the circumstances, but […] it’s appropriate that people should understand that unlicensed weapons should not be retained in private dwellings,” he said.

In addition to the fine, Sheriff Cruickshank granted forfeiture of the rifle.