Emiel Ariel Malinski · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 16th November 2020, I opened an inquest into the death of Emiel Ariel Malinski who died on 2nd November 2020 at Salford Royal Hospital, aged 29 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest which I heard on 8th June 2021.
A doctor treating Mr Malinski confirmed that he had died as a consequence of:

1)a) Traumatic brain injury; due to
1)b) Gun shot injury to the head.

By way of conclusion, I recorded that Mr Malinski died as a consequence of suicide.

Mr Malinski was an air-rifle owner who used to frequent a shooting range at Weir Mill, Moseley, Tameside. The range in question constitutes a ‘Miniature Rifle Range’ for the purposes of s11 (4) Firearms Act 1968.

On 2nd November 2020, Mr Malinski attended the range with his air-rifle. Later in the day, Mr Malinski was loaned a semi-automatic Hammerli Tac1 22 rim fire rifle to shoot, and supplied with 50 rounds of 0.22 calibre ammunition.

Whilst alone on the range, Mr Malinski turned the rifle on himself and fired a shot in the direction of his right temple. Mr Malinski received prompt first aid and emergency services were quickly summoned, however died later in hospital as a consequence of the gun shot.

A Greater Manchester Police investigation concluded there were no suspicious circumstances, nor any suggestion of third party involvement in respect of his death.

It is a matter of concern that the continued existence and operation of s11 (4) Firearms Act 1968 enables miniature rifle ranges to operate with no minimal regulation, with attendees able to fire miniature rifles and ammunition not exceeding .23 calibre and air weapons in a largely unregulated environment.
In addition, it is a matter of particular concern that the following specific requirements do not currently apply to miniature rifle ranges:
1) Requirement for the user to sign a prohibited person (Section 21) declaration on each and every visit;

2) Requirement for the weapon to be securely tethered so that any projectile discharged from it can only be ‘down range’;

3) Requirement for a competent Range Conducting Officer (“RCO”) to be present on the range at all times to enable effective supervision of the shooter;

4) Requirement for the weapon to be loaded for the customer by the RCO or other member of staff so ammunition may be accounted for;

5) Requirement for the RCO or other member of staff present to be first aid trained with a first aid kit present;

6) Requirement for any weapon or ammunition used on the range to be kept secure, controlled and supervised by a member of staff at all times.