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A Tongarra man who failed to renew his firearms licence, resulting in him being charged with illegal possession of six guns, will face sentencing in court later this month. Allen Geoffrey Ford, 56, did not front Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday during a brief mention of his matter however his lawyer confirmed Ford’s pleas of guilty to six charges relating to the unathorised possession of four rifles and two shotguns at Ford’s North Macquarie Road home in June. Police facts tendered to the court said Ford was previously the holder of a Category AB firearm’s licence, however had failed to complete the renewal process when it was due earlier this year. Police claim Ford had been sent documentation from the NSW Firearm’s Registry in March notifying him that his licence was due to expire. The process of renewal required Ford to present himself to a Roads and Maritime Services registry with photographic identification within two months of receiving the letter in order to have his details confirmed, photo taken and to pay the renewal fee. However, Ford failed to complete the process in the allotted time, resulting in the Firearms Registry cancelling his licence. Ford later told police he had never received any renewal information in the post. However, the police facts state that officers told Ford the onus was on him to ensure his licence was current, in the same way drivers were required to have current licences to operate a motor vehicle. As a result of the cancellation, police attended Ford’s home on June 10 intending to seize his firearms. He was not home at the time, however officers spoke to Ford’s wife about the matter. Ford surrendered the six firearms to licensing police at Lake Illawarra Police Station the following day. He will face court on September 23 for sentencing. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years jail.

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