Tito Benons, the Police Constable who was on trial for being found with an unlicensed gun and ammunition, was yesterday found guilty of the crimes and sentenced to two years in jail.
Benons, who was attached to the Anti-Crime Unit in Berbice, was charged with having in his possession a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol and 15 rounds of matching ammunition, at Norton Street and Louisa Row, on March 26.
Benons had claimed that he found the firearm while off duty and it was while he was on his way to lodge the weapon that he was stopped by traffic ranks, to whom he presented it.
Delivering the verdict at the conclusion of the trial yesterday, Georgetown Magistrate Fabayo Azore stated that there was no doubt that Benons was in possession of the weapon since he himself admitted that to the court.
The magistrate further stated that in considering whether or not Benons was guilty, she took into consideration what actions he took when he found the weapon and whether he immediately identified himself as a police officer when he was stopped and searched.
On the first question, the court heard that his actions went against those of the procedure to be undertaken by an officer who would have discovered a weapon.
Further, in relation to his identification of himself, the court noted that he did not immediately identify himself when he was stopped by police officers. It was also noted that the defendant did not stop the police but they stopped him.
Additionally, the court pointed out that Benons did not immediately tell the officers that he had a weapon but instead waited until he was subjected to a search to make this information known.
Magistrate Azore also considered the fact that Benons was not on his way to the nearby outpost as was stated by witnesses for both the defence and the prosecution. It was claimed that Benons was on his way to take the weapon to the Brickdam Police Station, although the East Ruimveldt outpost was nearby.
As a result, Benons was found guilty of the offences.
In mitigation, he told the court that he came from a broken home and was raised by his grandmother, who did her best with him. He added that he wrote the CXC examinations and attained passes in seven subjects.
He said he ventured into the teaching profession but later opted to follow his dream of becoming a policeman.
Benons stated that most of his family members are police officers and begged the court to show some leniency and give him a second chance.
The magistrate, however, sentenced him to two years for each offence and imposed fines of $100,000 and $50,000 for the unlawful possession of the gun and the ammunition, respectively.
The sentences are to run concurrently, resulting in Benons having to serve only two years in jail.
