A scaffolder charged with possession of a semi-automatic pistol during Carnival activities in Cedros early on Ash Wednesday has been jailed for 48 months.
Tevin Moore, 29, of Point Fortin, claimed he got the pistol for protection after his life was threatened. He pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition when he appeared before Point Fortin Senior Magistrate Alicia Chankar yesterday.
The court heard that around 12.45 am, a party of officers, including Sgt Ramsaran, Cpl Ramsaran, Ag Cpl Boodhai, PC Collins, Tahal and Ramsingh, were on duty during Carnival activities along the Southern Main Road, Bonasse Village, Cedros, when they saw Moore acting suspiciously.
Prosecutor Sgt Jesse Jitmansingh said PC Collins searched him and found a camouflage-coloured Glock pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition in his crotch. Moore told the officers he had the gun for protection as he had received death threats. He was arrested and charged by PC Collins.
Moore had one previous conviction for robbery. The magistrate ordered him to serve 24 months on each charge to run consecutively. She also ordered the police to destroy the gun and ammunition.