Driffield crossbow attack victim calls for weapon ownership regulation

Shane Gilmer and Laura Sugden were shot in a "premeditated" crossbow attack in their home in Southburn, near Driffield

The partner of a man killed by a crossbow-wielding neighbour has called for ownership of "such a lethal, medieval" weapon to be regulated.

Anthony Lawrence, 55, shot Shane Gilmer, 30, and his partner Laura Sugden, who was 20 weeks pregnant, in their East Yorkshire home in 2018.

An inquest jury in Hull concluded that Mr Gilmer was unlawfully killed.

Speaking after the verdict, Ms Sugden said the lack of regulation of crossbows was "unbelievable".

Laura Sugden launched her campaign on crossbow ownership regulation following the verdict

Senior Coroner Professor Paul Marks said he would write to Home Secretary Priti Patel about his concerns over crossbow sales.

The couple were attacked in their home in Southburn, near Driffield, on 12 January 2018, by next-door neighbour, Lawrence, who had been served with an eviction notice after the couple made a complaint about cannabis smells from his property.

Mr Gilmer died in hospital after a bolt passed through his right arm, breaking a rib and damaging his liver and kidney as it embedded in his spine.

Ms Sugden, who was shot in the head, survived the attack.

Lawrence dismantled part of an adjoining wall in the loft to break into the couple's home, where he lay in wait for them before launching his attack

"Shane was murdered in the most cruel and terrifying way imaginable," said Ms Sugden.

"It is unbelievable that the sale and ownership of such a lethal, medieval weapon remains unregulated in our modern society.

"There are no laws in place to help prevent crossbows from falling into the hands of twisted and dangerous individuals like Tony Lawrence."

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Lawrence was found dead from a drugs overdose in a motor home parked in a lay-by on Red Brow in the North York Moors, the jury heard

Ms Sugden said crossbows had been forgotten in the "government's strategy on tackling gun and knife crime".

"That's why today, in loving memory of Shane, and to honour our beautiful daughter that he never got to meet, I am launching a campaign to call for legislation governing crossbows to be brought in line with firearms laws.

"Over the coming weeks I will be speaking with MPs and the Home Secretary to see what can be done to reform crossbows laws."

She thanked her family, friends and legal team for their "unwavering support through such a truly harrowing experience".

This was one of three crossbows found in the killer's home after the "harrowing" attack

One of the crossbows had been altered to make them "more lethal", as well as a number of bolts and darts

Just before announcing her campaign, Ms Sugden, whose daughter is due to turn three in June, paid tribute to "a loving partner and a wonderful dad and step-dad".

"It was clear from his final words how much he loved us all and I hope he knew how much we loved him," she said.

A listening device was discovered by police during searches of Lawrence's home

During the five-day inquest, jurors heard that Lawrence attacked the couple after receiving an eviction notice.

Ms Sugden had reported Lawrence to the police and to the letting agency after the smell of cannabis coming through a vent into a bedroom exacerbated her daughter's asthma.

Lawrence altered crossbow bolts to make them "lethal" and then lay in wait for the couple before launching his attack.

The court heard how he had been listening to their conversations for a year. A listening device attached to an adjoining wall was discovered by police during searches, as well as three crossbows.

In response, a Home Office spokesperson said: "Crossbows are subject to strict controls and legislation is in place to deal with those who use them as a weapon. We keep the legislation on bladed articles and offensive weapons, including crossbows, under review.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Shane Gilmer at this incredibly difficult time."