Glen resident receives extended prison sentence

Keon Scott, a man who is currently serving a one-year prison sentence for escaping police custody, has received an additional four-and-a-half-year sentence for having a gun and ammunition in his possession.

On Tuesday, while at the Serious Offences Court, the Glen man landed a four-year prison sentence for having in his possession a Smith and Wesson .38 revolver and one year for having six rounds of .38 ammunition, both without a licence.

His sentences would run concurrently, beginning at the end of the one-year prison term that he is currently serving.

In October 2016, when Scott first appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the Serious Offences Court, he pleaded not guilty to the gun and ammunition charge. However, on Tuesday as the trial began, he admitted to having them in his possession.

Police say Scott was found with these items on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Diamond Gap, during a police stop and search operation when he was seen smoking what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette at a shed.

He then aroused the officers’ suspicions when he walked behind the shed. As a result, a search was conducted on Scott and officers found a black and white handkerchief with a black handle showing at his waist. This handkerchief revealed the firearm, loaded with six rounds of ammunition.

Scott was cautioned and replied, “Officer, I find it and is sell I been going sell it to make a money.”

The 31-year-old was taken to the Stubbs Police Station. Officers later confirmed that the gun and ammunition were in good working condition.

On Tuesday, Scott declined to make a mitigating statement before being sentenced.

Further, in light of the large number of gun related homicides and offences in 2016, the Chief Magistrate pointed out that she is not a fan of those types of offences.

She also drew reference to the case of Kamari Neptune, who was shot and killed last month, while on bail in relation to an ammunition charge.

“You don’t want that for you or your family,” Browne-Matthias added.

However, while the Chief Magistrate said that Scott’s guilty plea would go to his benefit in terms of her sentencing, she noted that he has five previous convictions.

She further noted that the Glen man’s gun was found loaded and “ready to go in case of anything.”

According to the Chief Magistrate, Scott is relatively young and not beyond reform, although his life has taken a negative turn.

The Chief Magistrate added that she would want to send a message that would stop offenders in their tracks.

Scott is currently serving a 12-month prison sentence for escaping police custody on November 10, 2016, while on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP), White Chapel Road, after his court appearance.

His arrest came following a shooting incident that took place at Glen last year, which left one baby dead and three adults injured.

However, in a previous interview with SEARCHLIGHT, Scott said that he panicked while being transported from Serious Offences Court to prison because, according to him, there are those already incarcerated who have been making threats against his life.

A tearful Scott said that the only reason he had a gun in the first place was for protection.

Two other residents of the area are currently on remand in police custody for the shooting incident that took place prior to Scott’s arrest.(AS)