St Michael man sentenced to time served

Andre Omar Burgess who previously admitted to possession of two rounds of .45 calibre ammunition was today sentenced to time served.

The Baycroft New Road, Bridge Road, St Michael resident pleaded guilty last November to the September 29, 2019 charge of having the bullets in his possession when he did not have a valid licence.

During a virtual sitting of the No. 2 Supreme Court this morning Crown Counsel Ramario Straker, in making sentencing submissions, said the two rounds of ammunition were found in Burgess’ back pocket but there was no firearm involved.

He added that the number of bullets involved was mitigating in Burgess’ favour which bought the offence in the region of a fine. However, the prosecutor added that justice had been served in the circumstances given that the 37-year-old man had previously spent nine months on remand.

“Time spent will be sufficient,” Straker submitted to Justice Randall Worrell.

Burgess’ defence lawyer Shadia Simpson was in “full agreement” with the Crown’s submission adding that while her client was known to the law court he had no previous convictions under the Firearm’s Act.

Justice Worrell then ruled that Burgess, who was on $5 000 bail and a daily curfew, be sentenced to nine months in prison – which is time served.