Hull Coroners Court, 12th – 16th April 2021. Jury Inquest before Professor Paul Marks, HM Senior Coroner.
INQUEST CONCLUSION – 16th April 2021
On the 16th April 2021, the Jury on the inquest into the death of Shane Adrian Gilmer, retuned a conclusion of ‘unlawful killing’.
Professor Paul Marks, HM Senior Coroner said that he would be making a prevention of future deaths report, to raise concerns about the danger of crossbows which are currently unregulated.
Below is a statement issued by Laura following the inquest conclusion.
STATEMENT BY LAURA SUGDEN
“Shane was a loving partner and a wonderful dad and step-dad; he is missed every day by me and the rest of his family. It was clear from his final words how much he loved us all and I hope he knew how much we all loved him.
Shane was murdered in the most cruel and terrifying way imaginable. It is unbelievable that the sale and ownership of such a lethal, medieval weapon remains unregulated in our modern society.
There are no laws in place to help prevent crossbows from falling into the hands of twisted and dangerous individuals like Anthony Lawrence.
This lethal weapon has been forgotten about in the government’s strategy on tackling gun and knife crime. That’s why today, in loving memory of Shane, and to honour our beautiful daughter that he never got to meet, I am launching a campaign to call for legislation governing crossbows to be brought in line with firearms laws.
Over the coming weeks I will be speaking with MPs and the Home Secretary to see what can be done to reform crossbows laws. I’d like to thank my family, friends and legal team for their unwavering support through such a truly harrowing experience.”
STATEMENT BY GEMMA VINE, ISON HARRISON SOLICITORS
“The laws that govern the use of crossbows in the UK are woefully inadequate. In recent years there have been several high-profile murders, but still crossbows are readily available to purchase for as little as £150. They are powerful and life-endangering weapons that ought to require the same checks and licences as gun owners.
The Crossbows Act 1987 simply makes it an offence for crossbows to be bought by or sold to those under the age of 18. In contrast, the Firearms Act 1968 requires those wishing to possess a firearm or ammunition to be assessed by the police, and also restricts ownership in certain circumstances. These checks mean that members of the public are protected from potential misuse. Yet we do not know how many crossbows there are in circulation in the UK or in what circumstances they are held. Something must be done to help stop such horrific attacks and deaths.”
END
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NOTES TO EDITORS
- Please do not contact Laura Sugden or any of her legal team about the Inquest. All media enquiries and interview bids should be directed to NatalieRodgers@Scala.uk.com | 0114 4070159 | 07881 780608.
- Gemma Vine, Solicitor, Ison Harrison
Laura is represented by Gemma Vine, a solicitor at Ison Harrison Solicitors. Gemma is a highly experienced and nationally recognised specialist in representing bereaved families at Inquests.
Gemma has particular expertise in representing families at inquests involving deaths in custody and has also represented families in a number of high-profile inquests. These inquests include the family of Bobby and Christi Shepherd who died from carbon monoxide in Corfu whilst on a Thomas Cook holiday and the family of murdered school girl, Elsie Frost. Gemma finds it very rewarding to have played a part in highlighting cases where there have been system failures in order to prevent future deaths.
- Hull Coroners Court and Court
The Guildhall, Alfred Gelder Street Hull East Riding of Yorkshire HU1 2AA.
Tel. 01482 613011
