A man convicted of possession of a loaded 9mm pistol was yesterday sentenced to 10 months in prison.

Michael Darling, 42, was arrested outside the Stinger's Club in Spring Point, Acklins, on July 29, 2013.

According to the evidence, two police officers went to the club in search of Darling after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen. The officers found nothing illegal when they searched Darling but they found the firearm after unlocking his truck with a key provided by Darling.

At the scene, Darling told the officers that the gun did not belong to him. However, on the way to the station he allegedly told officers that he had purchased the gun for his protection because he owed a man $2,000 for some drugs. Darling testified on his behalf but called no witnesses. He denied telling police that he had bought the gun.

According to Darling, the truck was not properly secured as the back glass was unable to lock. However, Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt believed the evidence of the officers and convicted Darling of the offenses of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

Darling's lawyer, Rouschard Martin, asked Ferguson-Pratt to be lenient on Darling as he had no previous convictions. In sentencing, Ferguson-Pratt said it was unfortunate that the incident took place in the quaint place of Spring Point. The magistrate said that she wanted to deter would-be offenders and instill a sense of responsibility as she imposed two concurrent 10-month sentences.

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