Keefe Report: Another “Victory” for UK Gun Laws

by
posted on April 19, 2016
guns_falklands.jpg

Next time someone tells you how “great” the gun control laws are in the United Kingdom and that “we should look at them,” you might want to bring up Albert Patterson. Albert Patterson spent 22 years wearing the uniform of a British soldier. This included service with the Parachute Regiment and with the elite Special Air Service Regiment.

The 67-year-old veteran fought in the 1982 Falklands War, and a Browning High Power pistol surrendered to him by an Argentine officer was a trophy that he brought home to remember the sacrifice of his comrades—16 men of 2 Para were killed during the Battle of Goose Green alone.

There’s a problem with that, though. Even decorated soldiers who served from the Goose Green to Afghanistan with the British army are liable for strict prosecution by the Crown for the mere possession of a handgun. And that is what Patterson is now facing. According to a Daily Mail article, a court just sentenced him to 15 months in jail for the unlicensed possession of a 9 mm High Power pistol, five rounds of “expanding” ammunition, 177 rounds of other 9 mm and four Enfield World War II-era revolvers.

There's quite an uproar in the United Kingdom about Patterson’s sentence. The voices jumping to the retired Special Forces soldier’s defense included that of Col. Richard Kemp, who commanded British troops Afghanistan. “An SAS hero who risked his life to defend our country shouldn't be treated like a south London drug dealer,” Kemp told the Daily Mail. “He should be freed immediately. The country should be grateful for what he did.”

And that Draconian sentence was handed down for mere possession of the unlicensed guns and ammunition—not that even a war hero could legally register a handgun these days. There’s no reported evidence that Patterson committed any crime other than having them in his house. Patterson spent 15 of the last 20 years deployed overseas. His attorney, called a solicitor over there, said that he was focused on other things and there was no amnesty while he was home in the UK.

Patterson didn't injure anyone with his talisman to the Falklands War or the three-quarters of a century old revolvers; he didn't hold up a liquor store, all he did was possess unregistered guns.

While jailing Britain's war heroes likely was not the intent of Parliament when its series of harsh gun laws were enacted, it certainly was the result. Remember, the “universal background checks” that are called for by politicians these days are really the first step towards British-style gun registration. Oh, and armed self-defense isn’t allowed there, either.

Latest

Smith Wesson Csx Rifleman Review 4
Smith Wesson Csx Rifleman Review 4

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson CSX

Smith & Wesson's CSX is a different take on the micro-compact 9 mm Luger-chambered pistol concept, one that will appeal to fans of more traditionally built and styled handguns.

New For 2023: Ruger LC Charger

Ruger's expanded its 5.7x28 mm-chambered firearm lineup with its new LC Charger, a large-format pistol based on the company's earlier LC Carbine.

The Rifleman Report: Free Market Innovations

Our country’s innovations in arms design and manufacturing have been key to individual liberty from the earliest days of the Republic. In the modern era, the informal title “America’s rifle” has almost exclusively been applied to the AR-15—and for good reason.

Review: Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0

Roy Weatherby’s timeless Mark V design seems to have only improved with age, even nearly 70 years after its introduction, it remains one of the strongest bolt-actions on the market.

Editor’s Choice: Burris Veracity PH

Burris spent years developing the technology behind its Veracity PH riflescope, and now that it’s out for 2023, the innovative Programmable Elevation Knob system promises to make it easier than ever to get on target at distance.

Rifleman Q&A: Restoring A Krag

I have a sporterized rifle found in my late grandfather’s basement made from what I have determined is a Norwegian Krag-Jorgensen. It has a date of 1924 stamped on it.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.