Criminal Justice Act, 1984

Increase of penalties for certain firearms offences.

14.—(1) Section 15 of the Firearms Act, 1925 , as amended by section 21 (4) of the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act, 1976 (possessing firearm or ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property) is hereby amended by the substitution, for “imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years”, of “imprisonment for life”.

(2) Section 26 (1) of the Firearms Act, 1964 , as amended by section 21 (6) (b) of the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act, 1976 (possession of firearm while taking vehicle without authority) is hereby amended by the substitution, for “seven years”, of “fourteen years”.

(3) Section 27 (2) of the Firearms Act, 1964 , as amended by section 21 (6) (c) of the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act, 1976 (use of firearm to resist arrest or aid escape) is hereby amended by the substitution, for “imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years”, of “imprisonment for life”.

(4) Section 27A (1) of the Firearms Act, 1964 , inserted by section 8 of the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act, 1976 (possession of firearm or ammunition in suspicious circumstances) is hereby amended by the substitution, for “five years”, of “ten years”.

(5) Section 27B (1) of the Firearms Act, 1964 , inserted by section 9 of the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act, 1976 (carrying firearm with criminal intent) is hereby amended by the substitution, for “ten years”, of “fourteen years”.