Ex-policeman Jarrel Huntley was yesterday handed two five-year sentences after he was found guilty of having a gun and ammunition while not being a licensed firearm holder.
Huntley, 27, of 140 Lamaha Springs, Greater Georgetown, was charged with being in possession of a 9mm pistol and 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition on March 12th, 2014.
He was found guilty at a trial conducted by Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court 3.
Inspector Vishnu Hunt told the court that the prosecution had discharged its burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt, while noting that the defence had failed to create any doubt in the prosecution’s case.
Hunt further contended that the prosecution’s case was supported by the defence, which only tried to make the case that the pistol and ammunition were found in a car as opposed to the person of the accused.
The prosecutor then urged the court to believe the evidence given by one of the police witnesses, who stated that the gun and ammunition were found on Huntley and at the material time he had possession, knowledge and control of the illegal items.
Additionally, Hunt noted the evidence of the other police witness, which confirmed the prosecution’s case.
He reminded the court of the testimony of a police witness, which revealed that two police officers met Huntley at the parking lot of Buddy’s Pool Hall on March 11, 2014. Huntley and another man, according to the prosecutor, were observed by the policemen when they exited a car bearing number plate PRR 4720 at the location.
After a conversation at the parking lot, the men boarded the car and drove off. They were, however, tracked by the policemen, who observed the car, which stopped at the Police Special Branch compound.
The lawmen then approached the car, at which point Huntley presented a card which allowed Special Branch Access. The officers, however, proceeded to carry out a search of the men and the interior of the car. The gun was pulled from the left side back pocket of Huntley’s pants, where the ammunition was also discovered, Hunt said.
Huntley, who worked as an undercover police for two years, was not licensed to carry the gun. Although the registered owner of the car being driven by Huntley was a licensed firearm holder, the weapon was found on the person of the defendant, Hunt stated.
Investigations also found that at the time of Huntley’s arrest he was not a member of the police force since his service was terminated due to his illegal withdrawal in 2013, Hunt said.
Huntley’s attorney, Patrice Henry, did not say much at the conclusion of the trial but asked that a minimum sentence be imposed on his client.
Magistrate Latchman then informed Huntley that although there was another man in the car at the time of the findings, he was singled out and was specially chosen as the person who was in possession of the weapon.
In handing down the sentences, the magistrate considered the fact that Huntley was a member of the police force who should have known better, the seriousness and prevalence of the offence and the need to prohibit others from the crime.
In addition to the two five-year sentences, which will run concurrently, Huntley was also fined $70,000 on each charge.
