Man ordered to pay thousands of dollars for illegal gun and ammo

First-time offender Tristan Kemar Scott has been ordered to pay a total of $26 000 for having an illegal gun and ammunition six years ago.

Madam Justice Pamela Beckles imposed the sentence on the Military Road, Bush Hall, St Michael man on Thursday when he appeared before the No. 5 Supreme Court.

Of the amount, the now 23-year-old had to pay $10 000 up front for the firearm, and the balance must be paid on or before December 15, 2023, or he faces three years and 193 days in prison, which is the remainder of an eight-year starting sentence.

The young man also has to find $6 000 by March 15, 2024, which is the fine for the ammunition. The alternative is a 193-day stay behind bars from a four-year starting sentence.

According to the facts previously read by Senior State Counsel Joyann Catwell, police acting on a tip-off went to the residence which Scott shared with other family members on February 23, 2017. During the search of one of the bedrooms, they found a black and silver gun with an extended magazine under a mattress.

Other people in the house denied knowledge of the firearm but Scott said, “That is mine. I put it under the mattress. I run from the block when I see wunna coming and put it under there.”

He subsequently pleaded guilty to possession of a 9mm semiautomatic pistol without a valid licence and six rounds of 9mm ammunition without a permit.

Handing down the sentence, Justice Beckles pointed out that there was no evidence that the firearm had been used, but according to a written statement given to police, Scott said he found it while running from a shootout about two to three years prior.

The judge said aggravating features of the crimes were their nature and seriousness, the prevalence of such offences in society, it was a real firearm and ammunition that Scott attempted to conceal, and that the gun was loaded and unlicensed.

Going in Scott’s favour, Justice Beckles said, was his previously clean record, his cooperation with the police, his remorse, his favourable pre-sentencing report, and the delay in having his matter adjudicated.

Scott was represented by attorney-at-law Angella Mitchell-Gittens and Kristin Vanderpool.