Two years behind bars for man nabbed with high-powered gun

A 27-year-old father of one was on Monday sentenced to two years imprisonment for the possession of an illegal firearm.

Earlier this month, Akeem Bristol of North Sophia Squatting Area, Greater Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Rhondell Weever at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and pleaded guilty to the crime.

He admitted that on December 7, 2023, at North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, he had an Uzi semi-automatic machine gun in his possession. He also admitted he did not have a licence.

He was sentenced on Monday after his probation report was submitted to the court.

The court had heard that on the day in question, ranks from the Turkeyen Police Station were on patrol duty in the North Sophia area at around 00:40 hrs when they observed a man riding a bicycle, with a cart attached.

Upon seeing the ranks, the man hopped off the bicycle and attempted to run, but due to the quick response by the ranks, they were able to apprehend him.

The ranks searched Bristol but nothing illegal was found.

They then searched the cart and found a black plastic bag containing the weapon, Bristols’ ID, and bank cards.

Bristol was asked if he was the holder of a firearm licence, and he said “no”.

He was told of the offence committed and cautioned, after which he reportedly said: “Sir, I find it in a trench on Sophia Road.”