Attorneys for both the Crown and the defence have suggested that the imposition of a fine would be a just sentence for a man convicted for gun and ammunition offences.
But Justice Randall Worrell said a means test must first be conducted on Jeffrey Aaron Holder, of Grazettes Industrial Park, St Michael, to determine whether he can afford to pay the yet to be determined amount to be imposed by the court.
Holder will now return before the No. 2 Supreme Court on October 29, when he is expected to know his fate, for having in his possession a .45 calibre semi-automatic pistol and 16 rounds of ammunition on January 22, 2017.
Crown Counsel Keith Robertson told the court that police went on duty along Black Rock Main Road where they saw 18-year-old Holder walking in a westerly direction in the company of three other males, one of whom was in a wheelchair.
Holder took off running leaving his companions behind causing police to become suspicious. The officers pursued him in their vehicle and then by foot.
The then teenager ran through several tracks leading to Hinkson Gap, Black Rock, St Michael while clutching an area to the front of his waist. Police subsequently shouted for him to stop and he did. He then raised his shirt exposing the butt of a pistol. As he reached for the weapon police fired a shot and Holder dropped to the ground shouting, “I give up, don’t shoot.”
The lawmen approached and a black and brown pistol was found with seven rounds of ammunition in the magazine. Asked to give an account for the weapon, Holder said: “A man from St Lucy give me them to hold for he.”
He was transported to the Black Rock Police Station where a further search was conducted and a black sack with more bullets was found.
The Crown has submitted that a fine of $28 000 be imposed for the firearm offence to be paid in six months or five years in prison minus any time he had already spent on remand.
For the 16 rounds of ammunition $15,000 should be imposed payable in six months, was the suggested penalty with the same alternative sentence.
