BASC should be able to sort you out. Sounds like a really crappy situation though, unbelievable.

I wouldn't necessarily rule out a threat of legal action and letters to the top plod either. It's one thing for the situation to be resolved(poss BASC help, etc), but legal threats hit home and get word through the the knobs not doing their jobs properly, and it would also get you a written affirmation of your innocence.

you'd think a criminal would'nt try to import legal firearms
might just be worth trying to confirm the "issues" before shooting there mouth off.
mind you police idoicy with guns no suprise.
One copper once tried to get me done for not having a licence for an SLR while standing sentry duty outside the TA centre

Originally Posted by brighton hippy

you'd think a criminal would'nt try to import legal firearms
might just be worth trying to confirm the "issues" before shooting there mouth off.
mind you police idoicy with guns no suprise.
One copper once tried to get me done for not having a licence for an SLR while standing sentry duty outside the TA centre

Well I have calmed down a bit now, thinking about evidence for a potential toys-out-of-pram legal action if my trips get screwed up.
There has only been a phone call to my sponsors secretary so far from plod mentioning "issues with my application". She took this to mean a criminal record (as no other issues are relevant), whether plod stated this or not I do not know, they may be tight if they do a lot of applications together regularly. I then had an email from the sponsor saying he cannot act as my sponsor, but not stating a reason. A phone call with him confirmed that he understands I have a record and that is his reason.
I now have to phone this muppet in the firearms dept tomorrow to find out what the issue(s) are....

Come to think of it, I have not calmed down as much as I thought I had....

good luck.
Police's default postion is guns not owned by them.
= potential mass murder

Originally Posted by brighton hippy

good luck.
Police's default postion is guns not owned by them.
= potential mass murder

Seems they are used to complaints:

http://www.gloucestershire.police.uk.../item5047.html

Maybe if I choose a different language it would help...

+1 on BASC. To my mind they are the most effective shooting organisation and will back you to the hilt if you had been treated badly.

I would let plod put their side of the story first. The 'issues' could just be simple problems with your paperwork. If they have mistaken you for another person with a criminal record and acted accordingly, then this would be worthy of an official complaint.

Of course, another disturbing possibility is that the plod has set out to deliberately sabotage your trip. If so, this would be a clear case of misfeasance in office - an extremely serious charge for a public official which could cost said plod his job.

Update:

Glos. plod see my name in the database convicted in Germany of criminal damage and assault in 2000. No other info or detail.

I have just paid 13 Euros for a print out in Germany that states I have no criminal record or convictions. (If I had, I would not have been given a German FAC with an offense involving violence, neither would I have been cleared for some jobs I have done).

But, I lost a private civil suit in 2000 where a guy falsely claimed I hit him, and his 15 year old daughter lied and said she witnessed it. The police said there was no case to prosecute and were not interested. No idea where the criminal damage bit comes from.

Plod are happy when I show up with this form (normally used when applying for new jobs) next week, and will process the application in the meantime.

Plod have been very nice with me, but apparently gave a lot of grief to my sponsor - which explains his attitude. They are under the thumb as they deal with short notice visitor requests weekly and need to keep the plod on side.

Does losing a private law suit count as a criminal conviction in UK? I don't think so?

The reason is, I am sure, that plod are under orders to create as many barriers as possible to certs. Up to all the tricks - I seem to remember they even made a visit when holder was away. Asked wifey if she had a key so they could inspect. She produced key and they used that to canx the cert. I cannot find this to be an Urban Myth either.

Originally Posted by OldRedCap

The reason is, I am sure, that plod are under orders to create as many barriers as possible to certs. Up to all the tricks - I seem to remember they even made a visit when holder was away. Asked wifey if she had a key so they could inspect. She produced key and they used that to canx the cert. I cannot find this to be an Urban Myth either.

IIRC It was Essex and his mum had access to the keys. It led to an increase in applications, my chum in Chelmsford's wife consequently registered for a FAC as his rifle was in the same cabinet as her shotgun. She won't use the rifle, but had access. They didn't have room for a second cabinet so it was easier to get a FAC.

Originally Posted by Cuddles

Originally Posted by Alsacien

Originally Posted by Blogg

Which particular sub-empire of Plodland are you dealing with?

Glos.

I even know a senior bod there

Glos? Think yourself lucky it isn't Avon & Somerset then...

Many years ago (mid 70s) they were very good. Flexibility and imagination were definitely their strong points then.

If Alsacien thinks that bringing firearms to the UK is difficult, then he ought to try de-activated weapons. A German shooting mate wanted to take a de-activated bolt action rifle to UK, no can do, the weapon is de-activated but does not quite match UK leglislation, allegedly. Solution? Buy one in England, and then try to export it. More fun and games, straigtht to the head of the queue in Dover and parked right up front, hand in vehicle keys and the car was cordoned off. I mean he could have run amok and hijacked the ship otherwise.