Case Explained:This article breaks down the legal background, charges, and implications of Case Explained: Yorkshire woman whose partner was killed welcomes crossbow laws plan – Legal Perspective
A decade-long legal loophole that allowed lethal weapons to be sold without oversight is set to close following campaigning by a woman whose partner was killed in a crossbow attack in East Yorkshire eight years ago.
Laura Sugden has been calling for tougher laws since her partner, Shane Gilmer, was murdered in January 2018 when a neighbour broke into their home in Southburn, near Driffield, and shot them both with a crossbow.
In 2024, the wife and two daughters of BBC horse racing commentator John Hunt were murdered in an attack involving a crossbow.
Last year an attack in Headingley left two women injured. The suspect died of a self-inflicted wound.
Ison Harrison, lawyers for Ms Sugden, who was seriously injured in the attack, say they expect the government to ban sales of crossbows and introduce a new licensing system for owners, following a consultation which will be launched shortly.
Ms Sugden said: “For years, we have argued that it was far too easy for people to obtain these lethal weapons.
“Shane lost his life because of a system that failed to recognise the risks.
“To know that we have been instrumental in securing this change means a great deal. We firmly believe any new legislation should be formally known as Shane’s Law in his memory. If this ban prevents even one family from going through what we have endured, then Shane’s legacy will be one of protection and change.”
Gemma Vine, Laura’s solicitor at Ison Harrison, added: “We are proud to have been at the forefront of the campaign that will lead to the banning of the sales of crossbows.
“This is a landmark moment and the culmination of years of sustained legal and public pressure.”