A Launceston magistrate examined a range of models in what could become a test case about whether gellblasters are a prohibited weapon.
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Jake Anthony Schnitzhofer has pleaded guilty to a range of firearms offences including possessing a firearm for which a firearms licence may not be issued.
Police prosecutor Paul Turner told Magistrate Sharon Cure that gel blasters shot pellets the size of peas soaked in water that could cause a significant welt on the skin if the motor was upgraded.
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He said police regarded them as a weapon because the method of propelling the projectile was similar to an air rifle and secondly that they resembled a prohibited firearm.
He pulled a number of examples from a suitcase and handed them to Ms Cure including pistols and rifle-like examples.
He said 30 of the weapons were seized in a raid after some were offered for sale on Facebook.
"The defendant was told to cease advertising but didn't do so, so police searched and seized the items," he said.
Defence counsel Fran McCracken said the Police Commissioner was soon to make a ruling because the weapons were prolific around Australia and were regularly offered for sale on Gumtree.
Ms McCracken said Mr Schnitzhofer maintained a not guilty plea but the issue had now become bigger than Ben Hur.
Magistrate Cure set down the matter for hearing on October 7, 2020.
Nick Clark
I am the Supreme and Magistrates Court reporter for the Examiner for the past 18 months. My journalism career has clicked over 30 years and encompasses four different spells at Tasmanian newspapers.
I am the Supreme and Magistrates Court reporter for the Examiner for the past 18 months. My journalism career has clicked over 30 years and encompasses four different spells at Tasmanian newspapers.
