A man was yesterday sentenced to 18 months in jail after he was found guilty of having illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Delson Wayne, 30, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was convicted for having a .380 pistol and three live .380 rounds in his possession on October 6th, 2016, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, before her ruling, told the court that the prosecution had provided the court with four witness who were credible. She said that with the evidence of the prosecution, the court was satisfied that the weapon along with the ammunition was found on the accused and at the time he was not a holder of a firearm licence.
Wayne, who was without an attorney, defended himself. She said in Wayne’s testimony, he told the court that he and one of his friends were stopped and searched by police at an area in South Ruimveldt. The accused told the court that he had no knowledge of the gun or the ammunition, since he was detained by the lawmen. However, the Chief Magistrate said that Wayne failed to support his testimony by calling his supposed “friend” to give evidence on his behalf. As a result, she told the accused that she had no choice but to find him guilty of the charges.
In handing down the sentence, the Chief Magistrate took into consideration the time Wayne had spent while on remand pending trial, the prevalence and nature of the offence and the calibre of the gun, among other things.
Wayne, who was shocked of the Chief Magistrate’s decision, told the court that he was innocent of the charges. “I am innocent of the charges. I have a family to take care of. I am telling you I am innocent your worship,” the visibly upset man told the court.
In addition to the 18-month sentence, the Chief Magistrate also fined Wayne $60,000.
