Former Army scout Clint Hall busted with illegal firearm in Broulee

A decorated veteran whose service as an Army scout earnt him accolades has landed himself in court after being busted with a loaded, illegal firearm leaning against his bedroom cupboard.

Army veteran Clint Hall leaving Batemans Bay Local Court on December 19. Picture: Nathan Schmidt

A decorated Army veteran who served on multiple tours as a “number one” scout has objected to needing a firearm licence after he was busted with an illegal rifle.

Clint Hall, 39, of Broulee, pleaded guilty at Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday to possessing a firearm and ammunition without a license, failing to surrender the weapon, and not storing it properly.

Police made the discovery following an “extremely unusual” incident on October 20 where an altercation broke out on the street between Hall’s neighbours, during which he was struck with a glass bottle.

Hall, who had told the neighbours to “keep the noise down”, was unconscious on his bed when NSW Ambulance officers arrived. During treatment, paramedics noticed an unsecured firearm against the cupboard.

“Police attended about 3am and located a .22 Lithgow bolt-action rifle,” agreed police facts reveal.

“The rifle was loaded with a magazine containing five rounds of live ammunition.

“Police also located three small cardboard boxes of .22 calibre rounds and a plastic container containing 0.22 calibre rounds in the cupboard. In total, police recovered 212 rounds of ammunition.”

NSW Police checks revealed Hall had never held a NSW firearms license.

Army veteran Clint Hall leaving Batemans Bay Local Court on December 19. Picture: Nathan Schmidt

Lawyer Wayne Boom told Magistrate Doug Dick Hall had returned home from service overseas suffering from depression, and had undergone psychiatric treatment.

Having undergone training in the use of high-powered firearms, including fully-automatic assault rifles and 60mm grenade launchers, Mr Boom said Hall disagreed with needing a license once back in civilian life.

“Hall said he has a gripe with the Army services,” Mr Boom said.

“For many years, Hall was using all sorts of guns – very powerful ones - but when he left the Army he didn’t get a shooter’s licence automatically. It’s a poor reason.”

Mr Boom said the rifle had belonged to Hall’s now-deceased father.

He claimed that, while Hall possessed ammunition, the firearm had never been fired.

In sentencing, Magistrate Dick said the penalties for firearms charges were high.

“I don’t think any of us have escaped the news on TV recently,” he said.

“There is a real push in the courts to do what is required for firearms offences.”

Hall was sentenced to pay $4500 in fines.

The rifle and ammunition will be forfeited.