A FIREARMS dealer who failed to keep his premises secure and his records properly has been fined $39,412 and sent to jail for nine months.
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In Nowra Local Court, Mark Richmond Jeffcoat, 47, of Burrier Road pleaded not guilty to 483 charges related to his business FML Firearms.
The magistrate found him guilty of 196 counts of not keeping firearms safe, 184 counts of failing to keep proper records, 73 counts of not sending records to the commissioner, 13 counts of possessing unregistered firearms, eight counts of possessing an unauthorised pistol, five counts of not preventing a firearm theft, two counts of not storing ammunition in a restricted area and one count each of handling explosives without authorisation and possessing a shortened firearm.
The licensed dealer belonged to several shooters clubs including Nowra Rifle Club, Shoalhaven Hunting Club and Shoalhaven Clay Target Club.
He was running FML Firearms from Carpet Choice in South Nowra when it was broken into twice in July 2009 and six firearms were stolen.
Police said Jeffcoat failed to comply with safe storage regulations for his firearms and also discovered he possessed a number of guns that were registered to other people.
Jeffcoat’s pre-sentence report said he had been diagnosed bi-polar in 2002, but he insisted that had no impact on his offences.
He was issued with his firearms licence in 2005 and said he took his business seriously and complied with licencing authorities.
Jeffcoat maintained the legislation had grey areas but he complied with it as best he could.
