16-year-old faces sentencing for having gun

A 16-year-old boy is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to the possession of an unlicensed gun.

The teen had charges of firearm possession and robbery read to him yesterday when he stood before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It was alleged that on January 1, at Takutu Backdam, he had a .38 Taurus revolver in his possession without being the holder of a firearm licence.

He was later read a second charge which stated that on December 23, 2016, at Eyelash Backdam, he broke and entered the home of Towanna Ammon and stole $30,000, a $5,000 phone and other items, all having a total value of $130,000.

He pleaded guilty to the firearm possession charge and not guilty to the break and enter charge. The court heard that the defendant was arrested on January 1 at Takutu Backdam pending an investigation of break and entering and larceny. The prosecutor also said he allegedly told the police that he had a firearm and took them to the area where it was discovered in the bushes. When asked if what was said by the prosecution was true, the accused responded in the affirmative. He added, “After me get the gun from me brother, me just put it in de bush.”

Bail was objected to by the prosecutor, who added that there is a charge that is pending against the teen.

The Chief Magistrate adjourned the firearm case to January 16, when a probation report is to be read prior to sentencing. As it relates to the break and enter matter, the teen will make his next court appearance on February 7, when the matter will be called at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.