Sentencing hearing set for July in illegal gun case

A High Court judge has adjourned sentencing in a firearms case to July, when attorneys will present arguments on the appropriate penalty for a St Michael man who admitted the offences.

Keshawn Kadarah Callender, 23,  appeared in the No. 4 Supreme Court and confessed to having a .380 Kel Tec auto calibre pistol and three rounds of ammunition without valid licences on November 26, 2024.  

Accepting the plea, State Counsel Paul Prescod outlined that police executed a search warrant at Callender’s Rogers Road, Ivy, St Michael home and were informed by a female relative that the now convicted man was not there. 

In the presence of her and another relative, police conducted a search of the home and, during a check of the ceiling, found a red haversack. As it was removed, a silver and black firearm with an extended magazine fell to the floor.  

When Callender was brought to the house by officers, and shown the firearm, he stated: “That there is mine.” An identification card and driver’s licence bearing his name were also found in the bag.  

Callender gave a ‘no comment’ interview after he was arrested and taken to the police station.  

Attorney Rachel Ward represented the now convicted man on behalf of defence lawyer Shadia Simpson and requested his custody record.  

Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell adjourned the case until July 24. 

(JB)