Apparently 13 children under the age of 10 gave been issued with Shotgun Certificates in the last three years. There was no data in the Telegraph article on older children, but one must asume that the number is greater. ACPO is seeking changes so that only childern over the age of 10 can apply for a Shotgun Certificate. Remember, the age of criminal responsibilty in England is 10 years. So we have been handing out certificates to use and keep shotguns to children who, if they used them for a criminal purpose, could not be punished.
Call me a killjoy, if you will, but I really can't see any logic for children rather older than 10 being allowed to hold a Shotgun Certificate. Persoanlly, and I must admit I have not checked all the other ages of permission, but I would prefer to see the age limit raised 16. If younger children really want to shoot for sport or recreation then they should be directly supervised by a responsible adult who holds a Shotgun Certificate. So there have been no problems with children and shotguns? Perhaps not, but there is surely a principle here.
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