An Ottos man who spent Christmas behind bars awaiting sentencing has been ordered to serve more than a year in prison for illegal weapons possession.
The Acting Chief Magistrate’s Court handed down a 17-month prison term to 29-year-old Otis Jackson on Monday, following his guilty plea to firearms and ammunition charges.
Acting Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel imposed one year and five months for the firearm offense and a concurrent six-month sentence for the ammunition charge, meaning Jackson will serve the longer of the two terms.
Jackson’s legal troubles began on the evening of December 11th when police officers conducting routine mobile patrols in the Tindale Road vicinity stopped his vehicle for a search around 9 p.m.
The search yielded a 9-millimeter Smith and Wesson pistol—which was found empty—and seven rounds of ammunition matching the weapon’s caliber.
Officers arrested Jackson on the spot and subsequently laid formal charges against him for unlawfully possessing both the firearm and ammunition.
Jackson appeared before the court on December 22nd and entered guilty pleas to both offenses. He was remanded to His Majesty’s Prison pending today’s sentencing, forcing him to spend the holiday season in custody.
Hope he uses this time to reflect and come back better. Stricter laws still needed.
Justice served but we also need more prevention and mentorship in risky communities
Good job by the police. Too many illegal weapons on our streets
One less illegal firearm in circulation. Keep the patrols active
Holiday season or not consequences must follow. Lives are at stake.
I find that sentence too lenient
Guns and small communities don’t mix. One illegal weapon can change a whole village.
He lucky some countries give years for this. Learn your lesson young man