Courts in Moray: Air rifle owner fined
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The English owner of a pair of air rifles has been fined after falling foul of the law north of the border.
Gavin Sharp was staying at Cullen Caravan Park when, on January 16 last year, he invited two police officers into his residence.
Elgin Sheriff Court heard that the officers saw the air rifles laid on a chair inside.
Unlike in England, it has been illegal since 2017 to own an air rifle in Scotland without having a firearms licence.
Sharp told the court that, rather than instructing a solicitor, he would represent himself because he didn't want to "waste anyone's time".
He stated he'd only been in Scotland for a few weeks at the time of the offence, and hadn't been aware of the difference in the law.
The 49-year-old added: "There isn't a sign telling you at the border."
He also stressed that both air rifles had been sleeved.
Sheriff David Harvie replied: "There's no suggestion that you were using them. And, as the procurator fiscal stated, you were clearly co-operative throughout.
"I have taken all this into account in what will be a low financial penalty."
Sharp, who now lives in Colvin Court, Keith, was ordered to pay a £130 fine.
