Smith fined for unlicensed firearm, ammo

Christ Church resident Tashawn Smith was fined $26 000 after admitting, in the No. 3 Supreme Court,  to possessing an unlicensed firearm and six rounds of ammunition.

The court heard that on May 7, 2025, police stopped a vehicle in Roebuck Street after receiving a tip. Officers’ suspicions were aroused because they were unable to see into the car. As they approached, the police informed the driver that they suspected there was a firearm in the vehicle and that a search would be conducted.

Both occupants were removed from the vehicle and a search revealed a black-and-silver firearm, fixed with a magazine, on the floor behind the driver’s seat. Smith of Portvale Road, Sayers Court, was the passenger. During his interview, Smith acknowledged knowing about a plan to buy the firearm and provided details.

Justice Carlisle Greaves set a starting point of 10 years for the offence, reducing this by one-third because of Smith’s plea and by a further two years in light of mitigating factors, including his positive pre-sentence report and low risk of reoffending. After taking into account the convicted man’s 495 days spent on remand, he was left to serve three and a half years.

“In the circumstances, however, I find it appropriate to impose a fine for the firearm and ammunition,” the judge said, ordering Smith to pay $15 000 immediately for the firearm and $6 000 for the ammunition within three months.

Failure to pay either fine would result in him being jailed for three and a half years.

A review date was set for December 18.

Justice Greaves warned: “If you have not paid the fine by then, you will go to jail. If you do not appear, you will be arrested and still go to jail. I am warning you that if you are ever convicted for a firearm again, there will be no fine. So if I was you, the only time I would want to see a firearm is if it is on TV.”  

Senior State Counsel Anastacia McMeo-Boyce prosecuted the case, while defence attorney Sade Harris represented Smith.

(JB)