Man Escapes Prison Over Blackpool Airport Gun Incident

A man who was caught at Blackpool Airport with a gun and ammunition has managed to avoid a custodial sentence.

Karl Crookall, 40 was stopped and arrested after an X-ray of his luggage at Blackpool Airport was shown to contain the F92 self loading replica pistol and 49 rounds of blank ammunition. When Crookall was interviewed by police in relation to the incident it became clear that he was in possession of a valid firearms licence and claimed that he did not believe that he was doing anything wrong in bringing the weapon into the UK.

Judge Stuart Baker sentenced Crookall to 28 days in prison that was suspended for 12 months and branded him a "victim of his own stupidity". The defence claimed that Mr. Crookall was registered disabled after a serious motorcycle accident and suffered neurological problems that had led to a fascination with knives, cars and guns. It was also pointed out that at no point did Mr. Crookall attempt to conceal the weapon or ammunition when at Blackpool Airport.

Published by: Jon Vickery