Gunman fined – First-time offender spared jail time

His previously clean record, positive pre-sentencing report and family support spared Rasheed Antonio Atkins from going to jail for firearm, ammunition and drug offences.

Madam Justice Pamela Beckles ordered the Clapham Park, St Michael resident to pay $27 500 in fines for the offences when he reappeared before her in the No. 5 Supreme Court on Friday.

Atkins had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a 9×19 calibre Glock semi-automatic pistol without a valid licence, having 13 rounds of ammunition without a valid permit, and possession and trafficking of 925.1 grammes of cannabis. The offences occurred on November 9, 2022.

“Guns and drugs are a bad combination, and even though the quantity of the drugs was relatively small, the combination of firearms, ammunition and drugs is a societal concern,” the judge said.

Justice Beckles gave a starting sentence of eight years for the firearm, four years for the ammunition and three years for each of the drug offences.

Atkins’ early guilty plea, expression of remorse, lack of antecedents, and young age were mitigating factors. One year was deducted from the starting point sentences. After the 157 days spent on remand were also deducted, a total of 303 days were left.

“Your lack of previous convictions, favourable pre-sentencing report and family support, amongst other things, are what will spare you from a custodial sentence this time around,” the judge told Atkins.

She fined him $20 000 for the gun, $15 000 of which was to be paid forthwith, with the outstanding balance to be cleared in three months. For the ammunition, Atkins has one year to pay the court $7 500. Failure to pay either fine will result in him spending 303 days at Dodds Prison.

According to the facts, police executed a search warrant at Atkins’ residence and were directed to his bedroom where they asked him if he had anything illegal in his possession. He replied, “Yes, in the wardrobe.” A Glock pistol with an extended magazine containing several rounds of ammunition was discovered. Atkins admitted it was his and said he had found it.

A further search revealed a bag containing cannabis. When questioned, he said that it was to be used to make brownies.