Man warned after paying $26 000 in firearm fines

A St James man who paid $26 000 in fines for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition has been warned by a High Court judge not to return to court.

“Don’t come back. I am letting you know that if you do on a firearm charge and are convicted,it is mandatory you are going to prison,” Justice Pamela Beckles told Ramon Michael Thomas of Haynesville after the No. 5 Supreme Court was informed that his fines have been fully paid.  

Last year, he had been ordered to pay $20 000 for having a .22 calibre revolver without a valid licence on August 13, 2022 or face 527 days in prison.  

The first-time offender had also been fined $6 000 for possession of the ammunition, failing which he would have served six months in prison.  

The court heard that police executed a warrant at Thomas’ residence and during a search of the kitchen discovered a protein powder can on top of the refrigerator containing a .22-calibre revolver loaded with seven rounds. Five additional bullets were found wrapped in paper nearby.  

Acting Senior State Counsel Maya Kellman appeared for the prosecution.

(JB)