Boy, 17, gets community service

A 17-year-old was yesterday sentenced to do a year of community service while being advised to “turn over a new leaf” after he was found guilty of unlawful possession of a gun and ammunition.

Akeem Henry, 17, initially appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts in January facing two charges, the illegal possession of firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

The then 16-year-old pleaded not guilty when the allegations were put to him.

After the testimonies of five witnesses, Henry was found guilty by Magistrate Judy Latchman. Before sentencing the teen, Magistrate Latchman took his age into consideration as well as a favourable probation report.

Henry was represented by attorney-at-law Michael Somersall.

Magistrate Latchman noted that Henry was being given an opportunity to start afresh and advised the youngster to turn over a new leaf. Henry was ordered to do community service at the Palms Geriatric Home on every Tuesday for a year. He is also scheduled to undergo a year of counselling.