12 months hard labour for Gypsy’s son

Carlton Peters, son of calypsonian and former UNC MP Winston “Gypsy” Peters, was yesterday sentenced by Port of Spain Magistrate Melvin Daniel to 12 months hard labour.

Peters, 31, of Soogan Trace Laventille, was reportedly held along with six of his relatives at his home on June 26. PC Ransom of the Morvant CID who was executing a search warrant at the premises allegedly found a .38 pistol, loaded with five rounds of ammunition. Peters pleaded guilty but was not represented by an attorney. He told Magistrate Daniel that he had found the firearm and was keeping it out of curiosity. “How long were you going to let this curiosity last?” asked Daniel. Peters replied, “I wasn’t going to do anything with it, it is the first time I ever held a gun.” “I sorry that I put my family in jeopardy,” added Peters. Daniel then sentenced Peters to 12 months hard labour for possession of the weapon and three months hard labour for possession of the ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently. The six relatives, who all pleaded not guilty, are on $20,000 bail and will reappear tomorrow.

Attempts to contact Peters (Winston) for comment were unsuccessful. UNC chairman Wade Mark told Newsday he had heard about yesterday’s sentencing but he did not know the younger Peters well. The senior Peters was Ortoire/Mayaro MP from 2000 to 2002, when he was defeated by the PNM’s Franklyn Khan who is currently Minister of Works and Transport.