East Yorkshire woman demanding new crossbow law six years after partner's death
Laura Sugden's partner Shane Gilmer was killed with a crossbow in 2018.
A woman from East Yorkshire whose partner was killed in a crossbow attack in 2018 has said legislation must finally be introduced to stop more people losing their lives to the weapons.
Shane Gilmer was murdered by Anthony Lawrence in Driffield, who shot him with a crossbow, also injuring his partner Laura Sugden who was 20 weeks pregnant at the time.
Laura said: "I just can't comprehend why there's still no legislation around these weapons. You can go on the internet and purchase one of these for next day delivery, there's still a blade in circulation that was used for hunting - I'm aware the Home Office are looking at that also - does that blade still need to be in circulation? Probably not.
"To know just one person's life has been lost through something like that is enough to be done. It's six years down the line and I'm still hearing stories of people being shot with them or are running around towns with them."
Under current law, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase or own a crossbow, and anyone carrying one in public without a reasonable excuse could face up to four years in prison.
Crossbows can still be purchased online without a background health or police check as is the case for firearms.
Laura said: "Officers very bravely attended my property without armed response and risked their lives to go into my home. That was so brave of them but I don't think the police force or other members of the public should have that worry."
Laura's daughter Ella is now five years old and was never able to meet her dad.
The government has opened an eight-week call for evidence to look at whether tougher rules are needed for crossbows, saying those rules could include a licensing scheme to protect public safety and police checks for anyone looking to purchase a crossbow.
"Shane's death was absolutely horrific but if I can just push this forward so it can potentially prevent one or two future deaths from happening then this fight of the last six years has been worth it."