South trio jailed for gun, ammo

Three men from South Trinidad were each sentenced yesterday to two years hard labour by a Tunapuna magistrate for possession of arms and ammunition. Dereck Celestine and Atiba Seon, both of Dow Village, South Oropouche and a third accused Kayode Jordan of Cipero Street, San Fernando, were jailed by Magistrate Indra Ramoo-Haynes.

The three were arrested and charged by PC Panchu on February 24, 2003, during a police exercise. When the matter was initially called, the three men pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of a 9 mm pistol and eight rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Seon and Jordan were represented by attorney Carol Cuffy-Dowlat, while Celestine was unrepresented during the trial. The court heard evidence from several witnesses, including the complainant. After hearing evidence from both the State and defence, the magistrate found the men guilty as charged. She told the men, “Guns are too prevalent these days. At least one murder for the day is accountable to illegal guns throughout the country. I need to send a message.”