Update - Kent gun grab saga drags on

Lewis Dedman told us his gun grab story at the start of the summer. The professional pest controller contacted us because Kent Police had asked for a psychiatric report to prove he wasn't a suicide risk before they'd consider returning his firearms, but no-one was willing to assess him. Our film generated leads and offers of help from medical professionals. Lewis also thinks it inspired Kent police to call him and suggest a compromise saving him thousands of pounds, by going through ShootCert.

The paperwork was submitted and everything was in order, but now he's been told it could take between 6-18 months for it to be assessed by the Superintendent. Lewis now says this delay could cost him his business and he needs his guns back now otherwise he risks his financial security.

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[berteisenbraun]

British Government has gone way too far. They are completely overboard on this issue. It's his job come on people.

[waikanaebeach]

Firearms administration is out of control in the UK. The police are the wrong organisation to have anything to do with firearms administration. Should be separate. We need a national firearms agency the licences all firearms including the police.
Police should not have the power to remove without a warrant unless there is probable cause of imminent harm that then can be immediately challenged into court.
And as to the police walking round in black paramilitary kit encourage the wrong ethos and attracts the wrong people…

[richardt.]

I'm a 70 year old English man and proud of being one and I miss the British countryside a lot.
But as a long time hunter (from the age of 7), I'm not sorry I'm an Ex Pat living in New Zealand.

The rules, regulations and red tape the powers that be, have thrown at firearms users is out of hand.

You are so lucky to have the "Fieldsports" organisation there to help you, plus supply this great channel.

Everone who has and uses a firearm in the UK NEEDS to get behind and support Fieldsports organisation.

Thank you FIELDSPORTS.👍.

[davidoldboy]

We have a problem in our country, and it is one that I as an old man have only just realised we have, the problem is that in general the police are unaccountable for some of their actions. Now I'm not saying this is the fault of ordinary 'coppers', I suspect there is an unknown agenda in the hierarchy using the law for their own purposes, which may be political. The political part comes from idealistic beliefs, unsubstantiated by facts, used as a weapon for those beliefs. To be told that you may wait 18 months for a decision affecting your livelihood is totally unacceptable, but nevertheless a reality in todays climate. The only recourse is to sue the police in a civil court for damages, tremendously costly with an uncertain outcome, and they know it, they have no worries about costs, and few worries about the outcome if they were honest. Like a lot of people I have lost hope about our judicial system, accentuated by the present ruling party, we are no longer a country of law and order, accept it.

[nigelwilks]

And they wonder why nobody has any trust in the police

[jackdXB]

There needs to be a reckoning on these Medical reports and here's why: At any point even if you were cleared by assessment you could change and become a threat, we've seen this with all manner and level of career from Teachers > children, Police > abuse of power, Politicians > expenses and I could go on and on!
Just because a person has a driving Licence doesn't mean they're any less capable of their vehicle becoming a lethal weapon via Medical or mental health or by pure negligence or Alcohol issues.
It is Paramount and as history has taught us that laws can be flawed and with time need altering to suit the situation that the present standards are unsuitable for the need and certainly in this matter this gentleman needs exoneration and clearance, otherwise the very people who implement these 'rules' need a swift kick to get them onboard with the Right protocols, goid luck my friend and be well, 😊

[robertwaye]

The police and the powers that be don’t want ordinary people having guns so stick up for your selves.

[brianferguson]

WHY ? was a psychiatric report considered necessary. What had he done to provoke the request. Who had he attacked or menaced to make the process necessary.

[JamesChurchill]

It's not incompetence if it's intentional.

[joelhall]

I assume the 6-18 month period is because they're waiting to see if anything happens?

[jasonshepherd]

I never got mine back and I did my 3 year ban

[AncientNightMareKing]

wow and people like myself dont even get that help even when corrupted people this days like to pick and choose think about it.
The car insurance they are the same try to save them self and keep take money this idiots need to go and people need to speak up and to start standing up to the corruption.

[slimpickens]

This has to be a i am glad to live in usa