Fine for canal boat owner found with shotgun disguised as walking stick

At Gloucester Crown Court on Friday, December 3 Christopher Meredith, 50, of Eventide, Fretherne, admitted that on September 14 last year he was in possession of a shotgun walking stick without a shotgun certificate at Frampton-on-Severn. He also admitted being concerned in the production of cannabis, a Class B drug, on the same date.

Prosecutor Alex Daymond said police were called to the canal boat following a report that Meredith was in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

“Officers arrived at the canal boat moored along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal and were allowed to climb aboard. The police discovered two legal air rifles along with the walking cane shotgun during their search,” said Mr Daymond.

“The officers asked Meredith if there were anything else on the vessel they should be aware of and he pointed to seven growing cannabis.

“Meredith told the officers that he had purchased the walking cane at a car boot sale for around £20 as a curio collector’s item. He explained that he had previously held a shotgun licence and had recognised the walking cane as an item of interest.”

Grace King, defending said: “The cannabis plants were for Meredith’s own use as he suffered from a number of medical health issues.

“There was no intention to use the shotgun, it was just a curio as far as Meredith was concerned.

“He has worked at various outdoor venues and is expected to start work in London in the new year.

“Meredith spent over £2,000 on obtaining a specialist firearms report from an expert to evaluate the walking cane shotgun.”

Judge Ian Lawrie QC said that he would fine Meredith £300 for the firearms offence and growing cannabis, because of the 'tortured route' the case had taken to get to court.

Meredith was also ordered to pay court costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £90.

Judge Lawrie also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the shotgun and the cannabis plants.