Jones to get time for crimes

Convicted man Astu Jones tried to haggle for a lesser sentence for gun-related crimes when he returned before the High Court on Friday.

But Madam Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell made it categorically clear that based on the facts for his case “you [are] going to do time; it is just a matter of how much time”.

Jones, who is from St George, pleaded guilty before the No. 4 Supreme Court to possession of a .38 revolver and three rounds of ammunition and two counts of assaulting police officers and use of a firearm with intent to prevent his arrest July 11, 2020.

On Thursday, he appeared before the judge and pleaded for leniency, urging the court to impose a non-custodial sentence or a fine.

He returned before Justice Smith-Bovell on Friday for his time – 93 days on remand – in connection with the offences to be officially read in.

The young convict took the opportunity to again ask for leniency and a second chance.

However, the magistrate responded: “This is not a fine offence. You cannot have a firearm and use it to pose a threat to police officers who are executing their duties. This is a lock-up offence. . . . Police shot you because you pointed a firearm in their direction not on one occasion but on two occasions, based on the facts. You put police lives at risk. That is a prison sentence.”

The prosecution has asked for starting sentences of eight years each in prison on the gun and ammunition possession charges; nine years on the two counts of assaulting police officers; and 15 years for use of a firearm with intent to prevent his arrest. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Jones urged the court to begin the sentence at “ten years not 15, Ma’am, because I want to start back my life”.

The convict, who has five prior convictions for theft and burglary, claimed that he was only trying to get rid of the gun that night. He also said he is a “good man outside in society”.

“I just does make some mistakes,” Jones said.

He will find out his fate on March 4.