§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the average fine or period of imprisonment imposed on the 324 persons prosecuted for unlawful possession of firearms in the Province between 1st January 1976 and 30th June 1976.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI have been asked to reply.
Figures are available in respect of the average sentence of imprisonment, including suspended sentences imposed upon those persons who were prosecuted on indictment for offences contrary to various sections of the Firearms Act 1128W (Northern Ireland) 1969 and who were convicted during the period 1st January 1976 to 30th June 1976. These figures are:—
Section 1(1)(a) … 1.22 years Section 4 … 4 years Section 14 … 8.32 years Section 15 … 10 years Section 16 … 5.54 years Section 17 … 3.7 years Section 19A … 3.18 years During that period one person was dealt with by way of a fine for an offence contrary to Section 19A of the Act and the fine imposed was £30.
A sentence of life imprisonment was imposed upon another person for an offence contrary to Section 14 of the Act.