Man jailed for two years over illicit gun, ammo

Jhiou Johnson, who admitted to being in possession of a pistol and a quantity of ammunition, was yesterday sentenced to two years in jail.

Johnson admitted to charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court 1.

Jhiou Johnson
Jhiou Johnson

It was alleged that on April 12, Johnson, 23, had in his possession a .380 pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence as well as 17 rounds of .380 ammunition.

The police’s case is that Johnson, who is employed as a labourer at a shop, visited a female friend, with whom he became embroiled in an argument. As a result, he threatened to shoot the woman and then left.

The court heard that the incident was reported and a search subsequently unearthed the firearm and ammunition at Johnson’s shop.

Johnson, in his explanation to the court, said, “The gun was not in my possession at the time and is neither mine. It was given to me by my boss for security purposes and I show my friend the gun, plus I give she one of the rounds. She tek the thing and give police and they charge me.” He further told the court, “They come and beat me up and say if I don’t give the gun they gone beat me more so I just say look before I get beat more I carry them and show where he firearm was.”

Johnson was sentenced to two years for each count but the sentences will run concurrently.