A young man who used an air rifle for target practice at a secluded Perthshire beauty spot was caught out by “confusing” legislation, a court heard yesterday.
An alarmed member of the public alerted police when she saw Simon Cobbledick firing shots at a tree on the banks of the Almond in Perth on May 5.
The 25-year-old appeared at the city’s sheriff court on Tuesday and admitted having the firearm without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. He was fined £400.
His solicitor said that, at the time, her client had no idea he was breaking the law.
Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said: “This happened in a secluded wooded area with various pathways and walks. Mr Cobbledick and a friend pitched a tent there at about 9am.”
Sheriff Fiona Tait was told the pair had decided to set up camp at the riverside because work was being carried out on their flat.
“The police were contacted at about 9.15pm by a concerned member of the public,” Ms Whyte said. “By 10.30pm, Mr Cobbledick and his friend were traced by officers.”
The pair were asked if either of them had an air rifle and Cobbledick admitted he had the weapon inside his sleeping bag. The rifle was taken to police HQ for analysis and was found to contain a pellet.
That night Cobbledick voluntarily went to the police station in Perth to answer questions about the gun. He told officers he had been using the weapon but put it away when he saw the police approaching.
Solicitor Alison McKay, representing Cobbledick, said her client and his friend had been firing shots at a tree for target practice.
“He genuinely had no idea he was committing an offence,” she said. “The legislation is, perhaps, very confusing for the public.
“If he was on private land, this would not have been a crime.
“It has been accepted that target practice is not a reasonable excuse, although something like vermin control may have been.”
She said Cobbledick, whose address was listed on court papers as Stormont House, Atholl Street, Perth, had no intention of causing “fear or alarm to anyone”.