Harding avoids jail, ordered to pay $15 000 for firearm and ammo

Shem Tyrese Harding has been fined $15 000 for having an illegal gun in his possession over a year ago.

Of that, the Blades Hill, St Phillip resident had to pay $10 000 forthwith. The convicted gunman will have three more months to pay the remaining $5 000 if he wants to avoid spending three years in jail.

Madam Justice Pamela Beckles imposed the fine on Harding in the No. 5 Supreme Court on Thursday.

He had pleaded guilty to having a .32 revolver and six rounds of ammunition in his possession on August 2, 2021.

According to the facts previously outlined in court by Principal State Counsel Krystal Delaney and State Counsel Tito Holder, police were on mobile patrol in Harding’s community carrying out operations when they observed him and other persons sitting outside a house. On seeing the police Harding got up and hurriedly walked towards another house while clutching a black bag.

Lawmen became suspicious, stopped him and a search was requested and he informed them of the weapon. The bag was searched and the gun and ammunition were found. 

When asked to account for the items, Harding told police he found them in a track.

In determining Harding’s sentence, Justice Beckles started with eight years in prison for the gun and three years for the ammunition. But given that the mitigating factors outweighed the aggravating features, those sentences were adjusted downwards by two years, leaving him with six years and one year, respectively.

Harding was given a further one-third discount for his guilty plea and credited for the days he had spent on remand.

That left him with three years in prison for the gun and time served for the ammunition.

However, Justice Beckles ruled that a fine would do justice in Harding’s case.

The judge will review the matter on June 16, by which time the balance of the fine is expected to be paid.

Harding was represented by Michael Lashley K.C. and associates.