Carrying an air gun or imitation firearm in a public place

5.—(1) In Article 61(1) of the principal Order (carrying a firearm in a public place) for the words from “in a public place a loaded shotgun” to the words “for use in that firearm” substitute the words—

• “in a public place—

  (a)

  a loaded shotgun;

  (b)

  an air gun (whether loaded or not);

  (c)

  any other firearm (whether loaded or not) together with ammunition suitable for use in that firearm; or

  (d)

  an imitation firearm,”.

(2) In Schedule 5 to the principal Order (table of punishments) in the entry relating to Article 61(1)—

(a) in the second column (general nature of offence) for the words “firearm and ammunition” substitute the words “firearm or imitation firearm”; and

(b) in the third column (mode of prosecution) after the word “not” insert the words “in the case of an imitation firearm or”.

(3) In Article 26(2) of the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (NI 12) (list of offences to which powers of summary arrest apply) after sub-paragraph (m) insert—

“(n) an offence under Article 61(1) of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 (NI 3) (carrying a firearm in a public place) in respect of an air gun or imitation firearm.”.