Parents to take fight to Gordon Brown
Sep 2 2008 by Gurdip Thandi
THE parents of a Midland boy who died in a separate air gun shooting are taking their fight to see the law changed to Gordon Brown.
Joanne and Andrew Picken are continuing their battle to see laws changed to protect youngsters, two years on from the death of their son Mitchel.
Mitchel, aged 12, was playing at a friend’s house in Stoke, Staffordshire, in August 2006 when he was shot in the eye. He died two days later.
A 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was cleared of his manslaughter by Stafford Crown Court in February last year.
Mr and Mrs Picken was laws tightening up to stop anyone else being killed or injured and have written to the Prime Minister.
They have also backed Staffordshire Police’s ‘No Butts’ campaign to raise awareness that misusing air weapons can have devastating consequences.
Staffordshire Chief Constable Chris Sims has also written to the Prime Minister calling for amendments to firearms laws to ensure owners of air weapons keep them locked up and away from children.
Mr and Mrs Picken said: “We lost our beautiful boy because of an air gun. Something must be done to bring in safe home storage of air guns.
“We need to create a situation where children can’t get their hands on these guns. If you have one in your home, lock it up.”
Currently the security of firearms and shotguns held at home is regulated through the legal requirement of being licensed. Certificate holders are bound by the conditions of their certificates and they must ensure that the firearms or shotguns are kept securely to prevent access by unauthorised people. Failure to do so is an offence.
Air weapons do not at present require certification, and the Chief Constable is supporting the Pickens to improve the regulation of air weapon storage.
Chief Inspector Phil Fortun, ‘No Butts’ campaign co-ordinator, said: “It would stop many accidents happening if children couldn’t get hold of these guns.
“Children are naturally curious and may be tempted to experiment without being aware of the dangers of misusing them. Air gun owners should be responsible for their safe storage.”
“We would urge anyone who has an air weapon that they don’t use for a legitimate purpose, to think about getting rid of it. If they have one and intend to keep it, then make sure the right precautions are taken to prevent anyone from getting injured or killed.”
