Extra jail time for Freeman in gun, ammo case

Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell has ordered Stephen Javon Freeman to serve an additional two years and 176 days in prison for having an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Freeman, 23, who has no fixed place of abode, pleaded guilty in the No. 4 Supreme Court to possession of a .40 calibre Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol and ten rounds of ammunition without valid permits on November 13, 2022.

Giving an eight-year starting sentence for each of the offences, the judge said that while the court could impose fines on first-time gun offenders, after considering the aggravating factors of the offence, and Freeman’s presentence and prison behavioral reports, it did not believe that the imposition of a fine would be appropriate.

“The court is of the view that a structured environment with a vocational programme would be more beneficial to your rehabilitation so that on your release you can be a positive contributing member of society,” Justice Smith- Bovell said.

She further ordered that he be psychologically assessed and placed in an appropriate educational and vocational programme, “in order that you may learn skills to assist you in the reintegration into society on your release.” He was also informed that his progress in these programmes will be reviewed on April 24, 2026.

Several aggravating factors were identified to the offence, including that the gun was loaded and in good working order, was in a public place, and was purposefully kept by Freeman to either sell for money or as protection from a rival gang, while the lone mitigating feature was that the weapon was recovered.

As to the offender, the judicial officer weighed his poor pre-sentence report deeming him at high risk of re-offending, his self-confessed gang affiliation and illegal drug use against his expression of remorse, guilty plea and adverse childhood experiences and made no adjustment to the starting sentence.

Discounts were made for his guilty plea and the 1 040 days spent on remand.

State Counsel Paul Prescod prosecuted the matter while defence attorneys Simon Clarke and Ken Mason represented Freeman.

Officers were on mobile patrol in the New Orleans, St Michael area when they spotted Freeman walking before going behind a pailing and peeping out. When one of the officers got out of the vehicle and headed towards him, he ran off in the direction of Rock Gap, Baxters Road. He was eventually subdued and a search of his crotch area revealed the firearm.

During questioning, Freeman claimed he had found the gun near the Globe roundabout six days prior. He said he had not fired it.

Freeman told the court that he did not know why he kept the firearm, but stated that he did not turn it in to the police out of fear he would be charged.