Matthews gets two years for gun, ammo possession

Chesley Matthews will spend the next two years in prison for possession of a gun and ammunition.{{more}}.

Matthews, a 22-year-old resident of Victoria Village, appeared at the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown on Friday, July 17, 2009, and pleaded guilty to having in his possession one .32 revolver and three rounds of .32 ammunition without a license.

According to the facts read in court, Rapid Response Unit officers went to Matthews’ home on Thursday, July 16, 2009, and conducted a search. The ammunition was found in the pocket of a jacket hanging in Matthews’ room, while the firearm was found hidden among clothing in a basket in the same room. The ammunition and gun were tested and the gun was said to be in good working condition.

By way of explanation, Matthews told Chief Magistrate Sonya Young that a friend gave him the gun to hold and told him that he would collect it from him later.

Matthews pleaded with the Magistrate to only impose a fine for his offense. Magistrate Young, however, said that her conscience could not allow her to do so, especially considering the number of gun crimes in St. Vincent. Magistrate Young added that she would consider certain factors when sentencing Matthews, including the fact that the bullets and ammunition were not found in a public place and that he pleaded guilty at his first opportunity.

Matthews was sentenced to two years imprisonment for the gun and six months for the ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently(OS).