Unlicensed firearms

A Kalgoorlie man has been let off with a $400 fine after police found him in possession of three unlicensed firearms.

Glen Russell Edgecombe, 39, obtained two rifles and a shotgun from a man he met at a pub earlier this year.

Legal aid Antoinette Fedele said there was nothing sinister in Edgecombe’s actions, and that he was actually trying to do a good deed.

She said he had no idea he couldn’t keep the guns in his possession. Edgecombe had met the owner of the guns and discovered he had the weapons in the trunk of his car. The owner was from interstate, meaning the weapons were not licensed in WA. Edgecombe then told the man it was unsafe for him to have these weapons in his possession, and after removing the bolts placed them in a gun cabinet at his home for safekeeping.

Edgecombe had no previous criminal convictions, apart from two minor traffic infringements. Police received information Edgecombe had the weapons and arrived at his home to recover them.

Magistrate Kevin Tavener agreed Edgecombe had good intentions, and that this was merely a mistake of judgment.