Bayville man fined $4 000 for illegal ammo

A High Court judge has fined a man $4 000 for possessing illegal ammunition, stressing that such offences are as serious as firearm possession.

Hassan Alessandro Hazell-Grant, of Jessamine Avenue, Bayville, St Michael, reappeared before Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell in the No. 4 Supreme Court after previously pleading guilty to having four rounds of ammunition without a valid permit on March 17, 2022.

During the sentencing hearing on Friday, the court found several aggravating factors, including the prevalence of these offences, that the ammunition was live and in a public place, that Hazell-Grant possessed it with the intent to sell it, and his efforts to get rid of the ammunition and avoid apprehension by running away and discarding it.

Considering his guilty plea and 221 days spent on remand, he was left with two years and 265 days to serve, the judge said.

Saying that the payment of a fine would meet justice, she fined him $4 000 to be paid immediately, failing which the custodial sentence would be activated.

The court heard that police were on duty along Field Place, Bayville, when the convicted man was seen riding a bicycle. Upon seeing the convoy of police vehicles, Hazell-Grant hopped off the cycle and ran, arousing suspicion and prompting a pursuit. During the chase, he was seen throwing away shiny objects. When he was caught, a bullet was found in his pocket and, after retracing his steps, officers discovered three more. The rounds were GFL .38 Special.

When questioned about the first bullet, Hazell-Grant said: “I am a hustler. I had that to sell. Anything I get my hands on, I does sell to get money.”

Defence attorney Latisha Springer represented Hazell-Grant, while State Counsel Paul Prescod prosecuted the case.

(JB)