David Richardson’s son jailed for three years

Norfolk farmer and Farmers Weekly columnist David Richardson has said his family is discussing with their legal advisers an appeal against his son’s three-year jail sentence, handed down after he mistakenly imported a gun into the country.

Andrew Richardson was sentenced on Wednesday (25 March) after admitting possessing a firearm and ammunition at Norwich Crown Court.

A five year sentence had previously been overturned due to a legal technicality.

Andrew Richardson had lived in the USA where he had owned the gun legally.

But a mix up with a shipping firm meant the gun was accidentally transported to Britain when he moved back to the UK in the 1990s.

David Richardson, who had been unaware of the gun’s presence in the country until the court case, said the gun had remained in storage. This was because his son felt that it would “irresponsible” to dispose of it.

The family is now considering an appeal against the sentence which they feel is Draconian on the grounds that it was genuine mistake.

“The judge made the comment that Andrew had an impeccable character with no previous record, but this has wrecked his life and that of his family,” said David Richardson.

“The judge also said it was Parliament’s wish that deterrent sentences be given. Is it likely this sentence on my son will deter real criminals? I don’t think so.”