Grahame Douglas Kelaher: 43-year-old Naval seaman claims he didn’t know BB guns were illegal

A naval seaman claiming ignorance of WA’s weapons laws was caught with BB guns and a Taser when police were called to his Lakelands home. Grahame Douglas Kelaher, 43, was sentenced at Mandurah Magistrates Court last Tuesday over possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a controlled weapon. The court heard that police were called due to a separate matter between Kelaher and his ex-partner on January 27. While there, Kelaher’s ex mentioned he owned a Taser, an extendable baton and four BB guns. The weapons were seized and Kelaher was arrested in March when he admitted to police he owned the weapons. Kelaher’s lawyer last week asked for a spent conviction, arguing his client was of previous good character and that a conviction could jeopardise a 16-year naval career. His lawyer told the court that Kelaher, a submariner, could not be deployed during the court process and was working on base at Garden Island. Kelaher would also be subject to the Navy’s disciplinary process once the court process concluded. Magistrate Leanne Atkins mentioned that Kelaher had previously received a spent conviction in the District Court for charges relating to three of the BB guns discovered in January. “It beggars belief that a man of 43 years of age, who is in the Navy, would be unaware of what you’re required to comply with under Australian law,” she said. “I’ve read of your service outside of the country and I have respect for those who have served our country, especially as a submariner; I don’t know how you do that. “But your naivety in relation to these is astounding as a military man.” Ms Atkins granted a spent conviction and gave Kelaher a $900 global fine.