Man shot dead ran gun club

THE man who died in Wednesday night's shootings was a gun lover. Michael Falla, 44, who was killed with his wife Sarah, 34, at Fort Hommet, was also president of the Anne Marie Shooting Club and responsible for the distribution of ammunition.

One acquaintance and former club member said Mr Falla owned dozens of guns, but particularly favoured a Walther P38 German pistol.

Police would not confirm whether this was the semi-automatic handgun used in the shootings.

Mr Falla, who was club president for almost 20 years, was one of three people with authority to sell or issue pistol bullets.

Gun laws require two key holders to open the safe where ammunition is stored. Club officials sell bullets to members. Any not used are returned.

Police confirmed they were looking into all possible events leading up the two deaths, including whether ammunition was missing from the safe.

But former club president Bert Scowen said it was practically impossible to keep an inventory of bullets sold and fired.

'It's very hard to tell what has been used,' said the 76-year-old.

'The members buy what they need. Whatever is left over, they put back in a box with their name on, which gets returned to the safe.'

Members are trusted to return all unused bullets. And he said 9mm ammunition could easily be found in many shops in France.

The treasurer of another shooting organisation - the Guernsey Pistol Club - said there were strict rules about obtaining ammunition.

'You're allowed to keep the weapon at home, but all ammunition has to be kept locked away and distributed by two club members,' said Michael Brehaut, 72.

'It's for safety reasons so one can see what the other one is doing.

'I was shocked when I heard what happened. I suppose the man had access to the club's ammunition.'

Speculation continues to mount that Mr Falla shot his wife before turning the gun on himself.

Another former club member, who did not wish to be named, said Mrs Falla was also keen on guns and would sometimes come to the range to practise.

The Anne Marie Shooting Club was founded 50 years ago. It is specifically for pistol shooting, meets 10 to 12 times per year and has about 50 members.

Members practise at the Fort Le Marchant range, from distances of 25 and 50 yards, shooting at targets and tin cans.