Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

GP faces legal tangle over replica gun

Friday 18 February 1994 00:02 GMT
Comments

First Edition

A DRUNKEN drug addict burst through the surgery door and demanded a fix. The Stoke-on-Trent GP tried to look calm behind the desk; he knew the man had a reputation for violence.

'Let me just examine you,' he said, reaching for his black bag. He slowly took out his stethoscope - and then gave the addict an eye-full of his replica .38 Smith & Wesson.

The .38 he carries is just a precaution. He is a magistrate, so he knows the dangers facing a GP in the streets of Stoke at night.

But the Medical Defence Union is concerned. A spokesman said: 'If someone thinks you are carrying a gun they could be less likely to attack you, but they may be inclined to assault you more violently in a way that might incapacitate you.

'It is also possible that if a doctor pointed a replica firearm or waved it around it could be construed as affray which is a jailable offence.'

The doctor is defiant. 'I see no reason why I should stop carrying it. It gives me great confidence and safety.'

A Home Office spokesman said: 'Technically carrying a replica is not an offence. It is only when you're into the furtherance of a crime or trying to resist arrest that it's a crime. If you're using it as a deterrent . . . it would require some interpretation or clarification in a court case.'

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in