By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
AN 18-year-old was sentenced to 20 months in prison yesterday after admitting to having a loaded gun in the ceiling of his house last weekend.
Magistrate Lennox Coleby charged Elton Toussaint, Yenton McKinney, 19, Belizaire Toussaint, 73 and Maritte Toussaint, 53, with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.
Levan Johnson represented the accused.
A police raid of the defendants’ residence on Gilbert Street uncovered a black Austria Glock 19 9mm hidden in the ceiling on October 22. This seized weapon was also found with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Following his arrest, Elton admitted owning the gun.
Elton was the sole defendant to plead guilty to the charge. His co-accused, including his parents, pleaded not guilty.
The charges against the remaining three accused were withdrawn.
While attempting to get a lesser sentence for his client, Mr Johnson cited the man’s young age, early cooperation with police and contrition. He asked the court to spare Elton a lengthy prison term, saying he can be reformed.
Magistrate Coleby sentenced Elton to 20 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. While there, he must enrol in plumbing or electrical courses.
He was also informed of his right to appeal the sentencing within seven days.
Before being taken into remand, Elton was allowed a moment with tearful family members.
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