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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, has avoided conviction in court after the magistrate found the matter had been an oversight by an otherwise responsible gun owner. Allen Geoffrey Ford, 56, pleaded guilty to six charges relating to the unathorised possession of four rifles and two shotguns at his North Macquarie Road home in June. Court documents 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. 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. Ford’s lawyer, Stephen Mainstone, tendered a series of references to the court last week attaining to Ford’s good character. He told the Mercury the court accepted Ford had not received the follow up notice to attend the RMS for his photographic licence to be issued. The offences were found proven but dismissed without a conviction. Mr Maintsone said the court also ordered the firearms be returned to Ford when his licence application was granted.

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