Hamlet sentenced to five years for gun, ammo possession

Attorney Arthur Williams has already indicated that he will appeal a decision by Chief Magistrate Sonya Young, which saw his client convicted on gun and ammunition charges.{{more}}

Penniston resident Ike Hamlet was yesterday sentenced to five years in jail for each of two counts of illegal possession of a firearm — two shotguns.

He was also sentenced to three years for possession of 56 rounds of ammunition and a further six months on possession of six rounds of ammunition.

However, Hamlet, a farmer, will only serve five years imprisonment, as the sentences will run concurrently.

On June 22, 2011, police officers were patrolling the Morne Ronde Mountains when Hamlet was met in a hut with the guns and ammunition.

In his testimony, Hamlet told the court that he was “digging” a piece of land to plant vegetables when he heard a dog barking.

“When I go see, I see a police officer say ‘Don’t move’,” Hamlet said.

He indicated to the court that the police officers took him to a hut nearby that he said did not belong to him.

Hamlet said it was the first time he was seeing the hut.

While searching the hut, Hamlet said the police officers found the guns, ammunition and some foodstuff.

Hamlet further stated that one of the officers put a cutlass to his neck and said, “You have to own them gun ya.”

He said he was then thrown to the ground and one of the officers dropped the bucket of foodstuff on his back.

Hamlet said he was then tied up with rope and the officers escorted him to the Chateaubelair Police Station.