By Zaya Williams

Xavier Crump of Bendals appeared in court on Wednesday, charged with the possession of a firearm and a single bullet.

Magistrate Conliffe Clarke handed down a fine of $4000 for possessing a modified flare gun and an additional $2500 for the single round of ammunition.

The defendant has been instructed to pay $2000 by November 30, 2023, with the remaining balance due on or before December 29, 2023.

Failure to comply with these payments could result in a 10-month prison sentence.

The illegal possession of firearms, particularly modified flare guns, is on the rise.

In a recent case, two teenagers, aged 15 and 17, were brought before the Child Justice Board for possessing a modified flare gun and a 9mm round of ammunition.

The incident transpired on November 14, as the group was boarding a bus to depart from the Clare Hall Secondary School playing field. Sources suggest that the 17-year-old discharged the firearm through the bus window, allegedly targeting another student, following a school football game.