WA dad stripped of gun licence after shocking picture of his baby draped in ammo belt


Gun-loving dad is stripped of his firearm licence after taking a shocking photo of his 15-month-old baby draped in an ammunition belt

  • Geraldton dad-of-two Daniel John Prunster, 25, is stripped of firearms licence  
  • He posted a photo of his 15-month-old son draped in belt of ammunition 
  • The gun-lover also snapped a photo pointing a shotgun at his toddler daughter

A gun-toting Western Australian dad has been stripped of his firearms licence after pointing a rifle at his toddler daughter’s head and taking a photo.

Daniel John Prunster, 25, also shared a disturbing image of his 15-month-old son in a cot on Facebook, wearing an ammunition belt with the caption: ‘My nugget trying to be a Russian.’

He pleaded guilty to a string of charges when he faced Geraldton Magistrate’s Court last month, including failing to adequately store firearms, pointing a firearm at another person and possessing cannabis. 

Although Magistrate Chris Miocevich declared the young father’s action’s were ‘stupid’ he ruled they were not ‘life-threatening’ and rejected a police application to take his firearms licence. 

But upon further review by WA’s Firearms Licensing Services, a decision was made to take Prunster’s guns and revoke his licence, the Geraldton Guardian reported. 

A court heard Daniel John Prunster, 25, uploaded this photo (pictured) of his baby son wrapped in a belt of ammunition onto Facebook

A court heard Daniel John Prunster, 25, uploaded this photo (pictured) of his baby son wrapped in a belt of ammunition onto Facebook

The court heard that police found an image on Prunster’s mobile phone dated April 2020, showing him pointing a shotgun at his daughter who was holding the barrel of the rifle. 

Prunster defended his actions in a lengthy statement on Facebook saying he was trying to post a ‘cool’ photo showing his daughter how to hold a gun and that he is a ‘good father’.

He said he was cleaning his weapons at the time and they had no bolt or ammunition attached. 

‘She grabbed one so I decided to show her,’ Prunster said.

‘I didn’t think it was bad as I wasn’t doing it to harm her or threaten her or anyone else.

‘The ammo belt on my son had empty shells… and was a gift from my uncle that was passed down to me and I was just proud to show it off. 

‘I love my family and kids more than anything and have worked my a** off to give us the best. No-one is in danger in our home.’

Daniel John Prunster (pictured) pleaded guilty to a string of charges involving firearms

 Daniel John Prunster (pictured) pleaded guilty to a string of charges involving firearms 

But police prosecutor Sergeant Troy Gildersleeve said Prunster’s behavior was highly irresponsible.

‘The rule is to treat all firearms as dangerous and he has (not done this),’ he told the court.

‘The gun cabinet key was in the vehicle and ammunition was scattered around. It was a recipe for disaster just waiting to happen. His negligence could have resulted in a fatal accident.’ 

Police made the disturbing discoveries after 68 rounds of ammunition and 14g of cannabis were found in his partner’s car.

Officers searched Prunster’s Geraldton home where they discovered 10 rounds of .223 ammunition, a single shotgun round, and .223 rounds near a gun safe in a wardrobe, which did not have a separate compartment for ammunition required by law.

A closer inspection uncovered a belt containing 25 rounds of shotgun ammunition, a .22 and .223 magazine containing live ammunition and 40g of cannabis hidden under furniture.  

Prunster’s was fined $1,500 for the various offences. 

Upon reflection of the incident Mr Prunster wrote on Facebook: ‘I needed a wake up call, I’m ready for a change in my life’.

Father-of-two Daniel John Prunster, 25, (pictured) recently vowed to family and friends on Facebook that he would change his ways

Father-of-two Daniel John Prunster, 25, (pictured) recently vowed to family and friends on Facebook that he would change his ways

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