Mr. Trevor Penn was today, October 3, 2012 handed 12 months imprisonment for the unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm when he appeared in the Magistrate's Court. Photo: VINO

Penn, who was also charged with the unlawful possession of explosives [41 rounds of ammunition], common assault in addition to the unlawful possession of cannabis [8.5grams of cannabis], was given 4 months for the ammunition charge and a fine of $1500 or the alternative of 2 months’ imprisonment on the cannabis charge. Sentences are to be run concurrently.

The accused had pleaded guilty to all charges with the exception of common assault and his counsel, Jamal Smith, had pleaded for a non-custodial sentence during mitigation.

Smith had cited his client’s age, the fact that he did not waste the court’s time, in addition to the crimes being of a victimless nature, as the main reasons for the request of a non-custodial sentence.

Magistrate Richards, in handing down her sentence, noted the prevalence of the offences and his critical substance abuse problem which he has since sought treatment for as some of the reasons for his custodial sentence.

The court was informed that during a search of his home, Penn who is also a father of two, had directed officers to the location of the gun and ammunition at his house after a report of assault had been made against him by his ex-girlfriend and mother of his children.

He allegedly told the officers that the gun and ammunition were his and were used for protection because “is me alone live up here.”

In relation to the narcotics find, he allegedly told the officers “it’s just a small smoke and is mines.”

He is to return to court at a later date regarding the assault matter.