Hezekiah Parker Jr has been handed a prison sentence totalling two years and seven months.

Hezekiah Parker Jr. entered guilty pleas Monday to possessing an illegal firearm, ammunition, and cannabis following a dramatic courtroom sequence that saw his defense team’s effort to remove Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel from the case rejected.

The legal drama unfolded when Parker’s lawyer, Sherfield Bowen, filed a recusal motion arguing the magistrate had compromised her impartiality by offering a sentencing indication during a private chambers meeting. Chief Magistrate Emanuel dismissed the application, clarifying that providing sentencing guidance does not constitute a prejudgment of guilt.

With the recusal bid unsuccessful, Parker opted to change his plea on three charges while continuing to deny a fourth allegation – possession with intent to supply. Prosecutors subsequently withdrew that count.

During sentencing, Bowen urged the court to show mercy, revealing his client obtained the weapon defensively after being targeted in violent attacks the previous year. Parker’s mother took the witness stand to vouch for her son’s character, describing him as a devoted family member who provides financial support to his relatives.

Chief Magistrate Emanuel imposed concurrent sentences: 31 months for the firearm offense, six months for the ammunition charge, and a formal reprimand with discharge for the cannabis possession. Under the concurrent structure, Parker will serve only the longest sentence of two years and seven months.

The firearm conviction carries a potential maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.