SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 2Weapons etc.: corresponding provisions for Northern Ireland

Minimum sentence for certain firearms offences

3

(1)

The Firearms Order is amended as follows.

(2)

In Article 70 (which imposes minimum sentence requirements for certain offences involving the possession of various firearms), in paragraph (1)—

(a)

in sub-paragraph (a)(iii) for “and” substitute “ or ”;

(b)

after sub-paragraph (a)(iii) insert—

“(iv)

an offence under any of the provisions of this Order listed in paragraph (1A) in respect of a firearm or ammunition specified in Article 3(1)(a) or Article 45(1)(a), (aa), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (g) or (2)(a), and”.

(3)

After paragraph (1) of that Article insert—

“(1A)

The provisions are—

(a)

Article 58 (possession of a firearm with intent);

(b)

Article 59 (use of firearm to resist arrest);

(c)

Article 60 (carrying a firearm with criminal intent);

(d)

Article 61(1) (carrying a firearm in a public place);

(e)

Article 62(1) (trespassing in a building with a firearm).”

(4)

In Schedule 5 (prosecution and punishment of offences), in column 3, in paragraph (a) of the entries relating to Articles 61(1) and 62(1), after “Summary”, in each place, insert “ except if the firearm is a firearm specified in Article 3(1)(a) or Article 45(1)(a), (aa), (b), (c), (d) or (e) or (2)(a) ”.

(5)

This paragraph applies only to offences committed after the commencement of this paragraph.