“I found the gun and I decided to keep it. I had no criminal intentions and I have never been involved in any criminal activities,” were the words of a man who was sentenced to a total of six years imprisonment on illegal arms and ammunition charges.
Twenty-eight-year-old Linden Bourne of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan where he was slapped with three charges.
The first charge stated that on October 17, at Princes Street, Georgetown, Bourne had in his possession, one .380 pistol when he was not the holder of a license enforced at the time.
It was further alleged that on the same day, and that same location, he had in his possession four 9mm ammunition when he was not the holder of a firearm license enforced at the time.
The last charge stated that on the day and at the same location, Bourne had in his possession two .380 ammunition when he was not the holder of a firearm licensed enforced at the time.
An unrepresented Bourne pleaded guilty to all the charges after they were read to him.
Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers stated that on the day in question, the defendant and three others were in motorcar PVV 3123 heading west on Prices Street.
Ranks on patrol duty stopped the vehicle which was being driven by Bourne.
The court heard Bourne immediately exited the vehicle while holding a pouch. A search was then carried out and the ammunitions were found in the pouch.
Further checks were carried out and the gun was found under some food boxes in the backseat.
The allegation was put to him and he told ranks that he found the articles in an alleyway in North Ruimveldt, hence he was arrested and taken into custody.
The Magistrate, after listening to the facts, sentenced Bourne to two years on each of the charges.
However, the sentencing will run concurrently so Bourne will only spend two years behind bars.
