Re: Ex-soldier faces jail for handing in gun
 

But is this the same Paul Clarke?

Re: Ex-soldier faces jail for handing in gun
 

Unless there are two Paul Clarkes in Merstham, both aged 27 this year, then yes, it is the same person.

Re: Ex-soldier faces jail for handing in gun
 

So that really goes to my theory in an earlier post, regarding the Capone prosecution. But it seems, as he is known to the police, it is probably all they could prove.

We had a rather distasteful neighbour in our street, almost any crime in the area that was committed, he was connected to. Any anti-social behaviour, it was he who was at the centre of it. For example, setting of display fireworks at three o'clock in the morning, in the middle of the street. Unfortunately none of his closer neighbours would dare stand up in court as witnesses to his activities. He was caught then with not exactly a large quantity of cannabis, but he was sentenced to the maximum four years in prison.

Re: Ex-soldier faces jail for handing in gun
 

Yes, that was my first thought as I read the DVLA story. It seems the police and CPS are peeved that he won an appeal against his conviction in that case and have therefore thrown the book at him at the next available opportunity.

Re: Ex-soldier faces jail for handing in gun
 

That wasn't really the intention of my post. It is very possible that he has a history of these things and he is just very good at getting away with them.

However, that said, we still don't know the full facts of this story, such as what was the history of the weapon and how it came to be in his garden.

Re: Ex-soldier faces jail for handing in gun
 

My thoughts are that he might have form for trying to get attention and the 'Oh look I've found a shotgun' I'll take it to the Police was a shotgun he obtained himself.

Seems a bit too eager to do his bit. The whole story reminds me of the ex-soldier who allegedly rescued the cop in Manchester when he fell over and started getting a kicking from some rangers fans.
He got done with wasting Police time a few months later when he made up a story about jumping into a canal to rescue someone, when the Police turned up the person he 'rescued' had run off and all his clothes had miraculously dried.

Re: Ex-soldier faces jail for handing in gun
 

I think it all points to him seeking attention. anybody else would call the police if they found a gun. all his actions were out of the ordinary.

he left it till next day, and made an appointment without telling them what for? if they knew he was wanting to bring a gun they would send them straight round before he got off the phone.

it sounds like it was still a secret even when he turned up at the police station. they had to wait till he opened the bag to find out what it was. anybody else would have said.

Re: Ex-soldier faces jail for handing in gun
 

Well he avoided being put inside.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/surrey/8421485.stm

Sounds like he has had a good few run ins with the law before.

Re: Ex-soldier faces jail for handing in gun
 

ah well if this hasnt brought him enough fame i expect we will see him on a reality show soon