By: Gavincia Clarke
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)- At the District ‘C’ Magistrate Court on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 one man was spared from a five year prison sentence, thanks to Her Honor, Magistrate Yasmine Clarke.
The lucky man was Calis Archibald. He was charged with having in his possession a one (1) gauge cartridge. In court he pleaded guilty to the charge.
The events surrounding the matter were told in court by Police Prosecutor, Inspector Trevor Mills. He stated that at about 4: 00 p.m. on Monday, February 4, 2013 Constable Nichollas and other officers of the Nevis Branch of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force executed a search warrant on the premises of the defendant. While conducting the search one cartridge was found in a gold vase. When questioned about the findings he replied, ‘I found that on the ground’.
The finding was sent to fire arms inspector, Sergeant Cornell Daniel who classified the cartridge as a live round.
When asked by the Her Honor, Yasmine Clarke if he knew what the finding was, Archibald replied in an aggressive manner, ‘yes’. Magistrate Clarke then asked, ‘why did you pick it up if you knew what it was?’ To this Archibald replied, ‘if I didn’t somebody else would have’.
Her Honor then explained to him that that law did not give her the ability to charge him a fine for his guilty plea. Her Honor pointed out that according to the law, if anyone is found in possession of a firearm or ammunition a prison sentence must be served.
After hearing those words Archibald went speechless, he was dumbstruck. He placed his hands on his head and took a deep breath. It is apparent that Archibald was clueless that having ammunition in his possession carried a five year prison sentence.
However, Her Honor, Magistrate Clarke had mercy on the Stoney Grove resident. He was spared a prison sentence and was allowed to walk out the court a free man.