A sentence of 7 years imprisonment for possession of 19 firearms (only one prohibited) under s 51D(2) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) was manifestly excessive where the offender intended to surrender the firearms to police, had possessed them for only three weeks, was 63 years old with no prior firearms convictions, and had a strong subjective case. The appropriate sentence after 25% discount was 4 years and 3 months. The case provides a useful compendium of comparable sentences for s 51D(2) offences and confirms that the purpose of possession (criminal use vs intended surrender) is a significant factor in assessing objective seriousness.
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