PART IIIOffences Against Public Security and Public Order

23Training in making or use of firearms, explosives or explosive substances

(1)Subject to subsection (2) below, any person who instructs or trains another or receives instruction or training in the making or use of firearms, explosives or explosive substances shall be liable—

(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding £400, or both;

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or to a fine, or both.

(2)In any prosecution for an offence under this section it shall be a defence for the person charged to prove that the instruction or training was given or received with lawful authority or for industrial, agricultural or sporting purposes only or otherwise with good reason.

(3)The court by or before which a person is convicted of an offence under this section may order the forfeiture of any thing which appears to the court to have been in his possession for purposes connected with the offence.

(4)Without prejudice to section 33 of the [1889 c. 63.] Interpretation Act 1889 (offences under two or more laws), nothing in this section shall derogate from the operation of the [1819 c. 1.] Unlawful Drilling Act 1819.