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A true professional with an human heart - Ivan H, International Shooting Coach
Nick Doherty has been the ‘go to’ lawyer for firearms cases for over thirty years - Richard Law, Secretary, Shooters' Rights Association
Nick Doherty is knowledgeable, professional and above all a shooting man himself - Michael West, East Sussex
l found his knowledge of Firearms law to be superb, and the way he handled my case faultless - Carl Roberts, North Wales
I have always been impressed with Nick's knowledge and understanding of firearms and the law. - Savvas Toufexis, RFD and Section 5 dealer
Miracles can and do happen, Nick Doherty is one such barrister. - John Corney, Dorset
Nick is a fantastic Firearms lawyer and a superb trial advocate. - Andrew Broome, Consultant Solicitor, VHS Fletchers Solicitors
I am so impressed with your expertise in this field, it is beyond me, words can't explain how grateful I am. - West Midlands certificate holder
Probably the most knowledgeable specialist firearms Barrister in the country - The late Mike Wells, Secretary Sportsman's Association

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Latest updates from Brudenell Chambers

Important New Case for firearms licensing

Nick Doherty appeared for the Appellant where the Metropolitan Police were applying to present evidence to the Crown Court in a firearms appeal without having to disclose it to the Appellant. The Divisional Court decided that this can now be done, but with strict rules and procedures to be followed, and only where it is absolutely necessary for the fair hearing of the appeal:

Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v Crown Court at Kingston-upon-Thames [2023] EWHC 1938 (Admin).

In the Crown Court, the police wanted to put material before the court which they did not wish to disclose to the Appellant. In criminal cases this is often referred to as public interest immunity, or PII. The difference is that in a criminal trial if the court ruled that the material attracts PII, the prosecution cannot put it before the jury, and in some cases may have to drop the case. I argued in the Crown Court that there was no provision for this to be done, these appeals are a ‘statutory regime’ under the Firearms Acts. The Crown Court ruled in my favour. The police then appealed the Crown Court’s ruling to the Divisional Court of the Administrative Court. This is a ‘Judicial Review’.

Finding in favour of the Respondents, the Administrative Court quashed the Crown Court’s ruling and held that the police may apply for a closed procedure in a firearms appeal. This decision is based on the Statutory Guidance which chief officers and the Crown Court have to take into account when making licensing decisions. The Statutory Guidance has been in force since February 2021.

The court made it clear that “a CMP should only be considered where it is critical for the fair disposal of a firearms appeal” (§52). This is a significant ruling. Those who become involved in a firearms appeal where the police request a closed procedure need to study carefully the Annex to this judgement. The Annex sets out how the Crown Court should deal with such matters and gives guidance to the parties.

I had submitted to the Divisional Court there is a “qualified” or “partial” right to hold a shotgun certificate (§47). This is based on the fact that the 1968 Act uses the words the certificate ‘shall be granted unless ..’. This was rejected. They rules there is a balancing exercise to be carried out in a firearms appeal, the certificate holders have rights under Article 8 ECHR “to pursue a legitimate pastime, and sometimes an occupation”. Whereas Article 6 rights may “potentially” be engaged, these would “add little or nothing to the rights at common law” set out by Baker J in R (Mason) v Winchester Crown Court [2018] 1 WLR 3850. This is the first time the English courts have given guidance on the effects of the Human Rights Act in the context of firearms licensing.

For those involved in an appeal where a closed procedure is applied for by the police this case is essential reading.

Successful Condemnation Proceedings regarding importation of revolver frames

Important new case regarding Closed Material Procedures in Firearms Licensing

MBL Webinars well attended

New Deactivation Specifications?

New edition of The Firearms Law Handbook published August 2019

'Spring assisted knives' are not illegal to import

Tragic case examines security requirements

R.v Heddell