Business owner in trouble over old birthday gift
AN IPSWICH business owner has found himself in legal trouble over a birthday gift he was given 24 years ago.
When police attended the home of Andrew Robert Hornbuckle, they discovered the 45-year-old was the owner of a bolt-action rifle.
Unfortunately for Hornbuckle, the Redbank Plains man didn't have the gun licence to go with the weapon.
At Ipswich Magistrates Court yesterday, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of the rifle.
Hornbuckle told police the weapon had been given to him as a gift on his 21st birthday - six years before new legislation required all gun owners to have a firearm licence.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Jo Colston said Hornbuckle said he intended to get a licence but "never got around to it".
Defence lawyer Alexander Weddell said there was no suggestion of any sinister activity with the rifle.
Hornbuckle was put on a $300 good behaviour bond for three months.
