A mandatory minimum sentence up to 10 years for gun convictions
Nationwide 90FM is reporting that Prime Minister Andrew Holness has revealed that coming legislative amendments will see the government imposing a mandatory minimum custodial sentence in excess of 10 years for people found guilty of Illegal Possession of a firearm.
According to the report, Prime Minister made the disclosure during an exclusive interview at Vale Royal with Nationwide News Network (NNN) Fitz-Henley.
Stiffer penalties for illegal firearm holders was previously announced by the Prime Minister last November during the JLP’s 78th Annual Conference.
I am on the record of saying that if it were up to me they would get the death penalty, he said. The Prime Minister stated that he believes this is the greatest deterrent. He went on to say, there is a contemplation for a minimum mandatory in excess of ten years but he will not say what the actual amount of time is until the legislation gets to Parliament.
There will be new and tougher penalties for illegal firearm holders and this will include illegal possession, trade and use in the country. The Prime Minister said amendment to the Bail Act will also be put into consideration and they will plug any loopholes into the Bail Act. This is argues, will address the issue of criminals rotating through the criminal justice system and committing crimes again.