A Nyngan man immediately appealed against a two-year jail sentence for firearm and importation sentences handed down in Dubbo Local Court on Thursday.
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The appeal by Peter Stanford, 48, a business man in the town, was adjourned until October. Stanford was refused bail.
Stanford pleaded guilty to six charges at Dubbo Local Court in June this year.
He was sentenced on Thursday morning to two years’ imprisonment.
For the matters of possess unregistered firearm-pistol, not keep firearm safely, possess or use prohibited weapon without a permit, Stanford was given six months’ imprisonment.
For the matter of holding a category A or B licence with non-approved storage, Stanford was give three months.
For the Commonwealth matters, two counts of intentionally importing prohibited tier two goods without approval, he was given two years.
These terms were to be served concurrently.
According to the sentence, Stanford could enter into a good behaviour bond on March 13, 2019.
Stanford appealed the sentence on Thursday afternoon.
Magistrate Garry Wilson adjourned the appeal and refused bail for Stanford after hearing argument from the prosecution and Mr Stanford’s defence.
The Commonwealth prosecution opposed bail citing Stanford as a flight risk and a risk of committing a serious offence.
“There is a risk of possession of firearms and a number of family members have firearm licences for easy access,” the prosecution argued.
“As the defence has said, the offender is a ‘gun nut’ and a serious offence could happen.”
Defence lawyer Jason Townsend said his client has been on bail for nine months since the offence and has not breached his bail or committed a serious offence.
“There is no suggestion he’ll reoffend, while Mr Stanford’s wife does have a licence, there are no firearms in the house as a result of police seizures. There’s no suggestion he’s been using firearms in this time,” he said.
Mr Townsend suggested Stanford stay away from premises of family members who have firearm licences, with the exception of his wife, and from gun clubs and other social venues where people have firearms.
Magistrate Wilson contemplated both arguments.
“I consider it likely a custodial sentence will be imposed at appeal,” he said.
“Bail is refused.”