THE law surrounding gun licensing could be changed after a city man was able to illegally obtain a stash of guns.

Robert Shaw, 41, was discovered with a collection of weaponry worth £20,000 at his rented home in Seabrook Mews, Topsham.

Serious concerns over the apparent ease with which Shaw was able to get hold of the guns were raised by an Exeter judge at his sentencing.

And now, a city police worker is set to write to the Home Office to try to get the law tightened.

Barry Collacott, of the force's firearm licensing department, in Exeter, said: "The judge wasn't happy with the way Shaw managed to get guns in a relatively easy way. He asked the police to bring it to the attention of the Home Office to see if they will change the law."

Mr Collacott said Shaw, who used to own the Walter Wall floor business in Polsloe Road, Exeter, used a forged registered dealer's certificate to obtain some of the weapons.

"If you are dealer, it is quite legitimate for you to ring a dealer elsewhere and get them to send guns down to a dealer in Exeter, for example," he said.

"Shaw has managed to get hold of a dealer's certificate and forged it. He got 29 of the 30 guns that way."

He added: "The way he did it was concerning to all of us.

"It is the first time I have seen anyone use this system to obtain weapons.

"It is worrying that if he could do it, then someone with a more sinister intent could also do it.

"The judge was concerned and we now have to get hold of the Home Office.

"I'm pleased the judge flagged it up as it will be addressed.

"The Home Office have to take the concerns seriously and act on them."

At Shaw's sentencing, Exeter Crown Court heard that he was a collector who became "hooked" on weapons.

Police said they did not believe there was any "criminal intent" behind his offences.

His stash included a German gun from the Second World War and a sniper rifle that should only be used on military sites.

Shaw pleaded guilty to ten charges of possessing a firearm without a certificate and three offences of fraud.

Judge Victor Salomonsen told Shaw: "I find it extremely worrying that it should be possible to obtain these weapons so easily by the fraudulent representation you took.

"I hope those who prosecute this case and those who licence and authorise firearms will take immediate steps for the omission in legislation."