Coroner Issues Urgent Warning Over UK Gun Licence Laws After Farmer's Death

Coroner Issues Urgent Warning Over UK Gun Licence Laws After Farmer's Death

A coroner has raised urgent concerns about apparent gaps in UK firearms legislation following the death of a farmer who was found with a gunshot wound in an outbuilding on his property.

Tragic Discovery on Family Farm

Samuel Dickinson, a 39-year-old farmer, was found dead in a shed on his farm near Blackrod, Greater Manchester, on September 15, 2025. The inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court ruled his death was a suicide resulting from a head injury sustained with a shotgun.

Mr. Dickinson held both a firearms and shotgun licence at the time of his death. Family members became concerned when they discovered a shotgun missing from the gun cabinet early that morning and alerted police. A brief search of the farm premises led to the discovery of his body in an outbuilding.

Coroner Identifies Critical Legislative Gaps

Manchester West Area Coroner Michael Pemberton has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report to both the Home Office and Department for Health and Social Care following the inquest. This legal document requires authorities to address identified risks to prevent similar avoidable deaths.

The coroner highlighted two significant gaps in current legislation:

1. Current firearms laws do not require licence holders to report any new illness or mental health condition that could affect their ability to safely possess firearms.
2. There is no obligation for GP practices to record firearms licence holdings on medical records, which would help flag potential issues requiring reporting to police.

"There is a risk of further deaths unless action is taken," Mr. Pemberton warned in his report, which has been sent to government departments with a request for response within 56 days.

Community Response and Government Position

Tributes poured in for Samuel Dickinson on social media following his death, with friends describing him as "the absolute best" and a "friend to many." The local community has since honored his memory through events including the annual Haigh Aspull and Blackrod Christmas Tractor Run, which raised funds in his name.

A government spokesperson responded to the coroner's findings, stating: "Every suicide is a tragedy – our deepest sympathies are with the family of Mr. Dickinson. We will carefully consider the coroner’s report and the issues raised in this case."

The Home Office noted that current regulations already require all firearms licence applicants to provide information from their doctor about relevant medical conditions, including mental health issues and substance abuse. However, the coroner's report suggests these measures may be insufficient for ongoing monitoring of existing licence holders.

Broader Implications for Firearms Regulation

This case has brought renewed attention to how mental health considerations intersect with firearms ownership in the United Kingdom. The coroner's intervention underscores concerns about whether current systems adequately protect both licence holders and the public when health circumstances change.

The Prevention of Future Deaths report represents a formal mechanism through which coroners can mandate legislative or procedural changes when they identify systemic risks. The government's response to this specific case could potentially influence future firearms licensing practices across England and Wales.

For emotional support, you can contact the Samaritans 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a branch in person, or access resources through the Samaritans website.