Teenager charged with gun, ammo possession

A 16-year-old youngster has been arrested and charged for having in his possession an unlicensed firearm.{{more}}

On Monday, December 22, 2008, Queen’s Drive resident Darren Matthews pleaded guilty to having in his possession a .22 special revolver and nine rounds of ammunition without a license at the Serious Offences Court.

The court heard that Rapid Response Unit officers received information stating that gunshots were being fired off in the Queen’s Drive area.

On arrival in the neighborhood, the police reported that they saw the defendant walking along the public road with an object in his hand. Upon closer inspection, they recognized the object to be a firearm.

The third form, West St. George Secondary School student was searched and nine rounds of .22 were found on him. He told the officers that he “find it down the road and me fire off three bullets.”

Defense Lawyer Arthur Williams said that Matthews had no criminal intentions but found the gun and fired off three shots. He said when the teen is not at school he goes to Oscar McDowall’s mechanic shop to learn something.

Meanwhile, Prosecutor Inspector Butcher objected to bail being granted to the defendant, citing that the matters were serious and the weapon was discharged. He also said that he believed the defendant will abscond.

Chief Magistrate Sonya Young granted Matthews bail of $10,000 with one surety. As part of his bail conditions he was placed on a 6am -6pm curfew. Young ordered Matthews to stay in his parents’ home and if he changes residence, the court should be informed.

Magistrate Young also requested a social inquiry report into the matter. The matter was adjourned to January 27, 2009, for sentencing. (VM)