High Court Judge Madam Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell says the practice of young men in Barbados having firearms for their “protection” must be stamped out.
This was her position as she sentenced Omar Orlando Henry, of Coconut Grove, St Joseph to pay almost $30 000 in fines for having an illegal gun and ammunition, four years ago, for his protection.
Henry had admitted to having the 7.65 .32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol and four rounds of ammunition on November 2, 2018.
The weapon and bullets were found in a sock which was in a bag placed on a laundry basket in a bedroom. It was discovered when police executed a search warrant at his residence.
When shown the items Henry stated, “This is my bag and sock and the gun is mine as well officer.”
The four bullets were found in the magazine.
During investigations, he told police when questioned that he got the gun from someone whose name he did not know. He also indicated that he could not remember where he purchased the weapon nor could he remember how long he had it in his possession. He said that it had been purchased for his protection.
In sentencing the first-time offender Justice Smith-Bovell said: “The presence and the ease with which members of the public have access to illegal firearms continues to be of great concern to the court and this practice of young men being in possession of firearms for their protection must be stamped out.”
The judicial officer who presides over the No. 4 Supreme Court also stated that recent events and gun-related deaths in the country showed clearly the devastating effects these intrinsically dangerous weapons have on society.
However she said while Henry’s crimes were serious, a custodial sentence was not the only punishment that could do justice to his case and was not merited.
She then imposed a $25 000 fine for the firearm of which $10 000 had to be paid forthwith. The balance of $15 000 must be settled in nine months or he faces five years, 45 days in prison. For the bullets, Henry was given three months to pay $ 4 000 or spend the stated alternative jail time.
The prison time was arrived at starting with an eight-year sentence from which the 81 days he spent on remand were credited along with the one-third discount for his guilty plea.
The judge will review the payment of the fines on September 30 and December 9.
