A SOUTH Cumbria man failed to renew a firearms certificate as he battled to keep his business afloat amid the Covid pandemic.

Alistair Yarwood, 37‬, did have a valid permit, for five years between 2015 and 2020, allowing him to hold a shotgun and rifle, along with authorised ammunition.

With the expiry date looming in early May, Cumbria police staff tried to contact Yarwood to ensure there was no lapse. But on July 10, a force incident manager learned no renewal had occurred despite the reminder.

Officers visited Yarwood’s Natland home to seize the weapons but found him “obstructive”, Carlisle Crown Court heard. “They were concerned by his behaviour and ultimately he was arrested,” said prosecutor Jamie Baxter.

The shotgun, rifle and ammunition were seized. When interviewed, Yarwood said he mailed forms first class after the renewal date, but didn’t hear anything else and hadn’t chased the matter up. “No paperwork has ever been received,” said Mr Baxter. “The evidence suggests it was never in fact submitted given the breakdown in communication in the two months prior to his arrest.”

‪Yarwood later admitted possessing a firearm without authority, and a shotgun and ammunition without the necessary certificate.‬

Paul Hodgkinson, defending, revealed Yarwood imported diamond-cutting tools from China but had found business difficult amid the coronavirus crisis.

“The reality is that he failed to prioritise obtaining a licence for his firearms,” said Mr Hodgkinson. “The reason was that he was busy keeping his business afloat and he put that to one side, wrongly I would submit.

“There is no suggestion of unlawful purpose for the possession of the firearms or unlawful use of them.”

These were properly secured at his home but would now be forfeited and destroyed.

Recorder Lawrence McDonald, who read references and heard of Yarwood’s remorse, spoke of a “minor infringement” and an “oversight”.

He imposed a 12-month community order comprising 40 hours’ unpaid work, plus £1,500 costs.

“I know that you certainly appreciate - if you didn’t before - the importance of the licensing regime for firearms and ammunition,” said the judge. “It is important that people renew their certificates and act accordingly with them. You failed to do that.”