MP seeks change to gun laws after Epsom deaths

Emma Pattison and her daughter, Lettie, were killed in February last year

A Surrey MP has written to the home and health secretaries seeking changes to gun licensing laws following the deaths of the Epsom College headteacher and her daughter.

George Pattison shot Emma Pattison and their seven-year-old daughter, Lettie, in February last year.

A coroner's report highlighted loopholes in licensing laws after it was revealed that Pattison had a history of coercive behaviour and was able to secure anxiety medications online without reference to his primary GP.

Helen Maguire, the Lib Dem MP for Epsom & Ewell, said: “The devastating loss of Emma and Ellette Pattison underscores the urgent need to close any loopholes in the current system that could endanger public safety."

In her letter to the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Maguire argued that any history of coercive behaviour needed to be fully disclosed to, and considered by, the gun licensing authorities during the application and renewal process.

She also asked Health Secretary Wes Streeting to close a loophole which led Pattison to obtain medication following an online consultation without it being reported to his primary GP, whose role is to report concerns to the gun licensing authorities.

"I trust that you will give these matters the serious consideration they deserve and look forward to your response," Maguire said in the letter.

Helen Maguire MP is seeking changes to gun licensing laws

Pattison was issued with a shotgun licence in 2012. In 2016, police were informed of a domestic abuse incident where it was alleged Ms Pattison assaulted her husband.

Mr Pattison's shotgun licence was revoked, but reinstated in December 2016 after a renewal application.

In a prevention of future deaths report, Surrey coroner Richard Travers said no consideration was given as to whether the allegation of assault against Ms Pattison in 2016 was an example of coercive behaviour by Mr Pattison.

Mr Travers said he saw evidence of subsequent domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour by Mr Pattison towards his wife, who was killed aged 45.

He said consideration should be given to how a licensing authority can obtain a full and accurate disclosure of an applicant’s history of coercive and controlling behaviour towards others.

The report also highlighted that when renewing his shotgun licence again in 2022, Mr Pattison said he had not been treated for or diagnosed with anxiety.

In fact, he was prescribed “a significant amount” of propranolol by an online doctor between 2019 and 2021 to assist with symptoms of the condition.

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