Harold Ambrose
25 Mar 2015 · Coroner Eleanor McGann · Essex
A similar concern from this report was raised again 1 time later. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. unflagged firearms licence holder with deteriorating mental health
“Mr [name redacted] had held a shotgun licence since November 1987. This was renewed every 5 years at which time there was a full review. The last review was in 2011. On 18" November 2011 a letter from Essex Police Firearms Department was sent to his GPs surgery notifying them that he was a shotgun holder. No further details from this letter were entered onto his medical record and the fact that he was a firearms holder was not flagged on their system”
2. cognitive impairment affecting safety with firearms
“In May 2013 he was prescribed Alzheimer's medication and was advised not to drive by his GP due to his cognitive impairment. In January 2014 it was clear that there had been | a decline in his mental abilities and this decline continued”
3. lack of referral pathway for mental health decline in licensed firearm holders
“Although his mental health was clearly deteriorating neither the GP or NEPT referred this case to Essex Police Firearms Department. In evidence a representative of Essex Police said had they been made aware of his Mental Health problems they would have initiated a review of Mr [name redacted] fitness to hold a shotgun licence.”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
This report
“Although his mental health was clearly deteriorating neither the GP or NEPT referred this case to Essex Police Firearms Department.”
Later report
“Firearms Legislation relating to the holding of a shotgun or firearms licence (or both) contains no provision that a person holding a certificate must self report any illness or mental health condition”
Responses
No published response was found on judiciary.uk.