ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — In what they describe as a significant development in the fight against illegal arms, the Jamaica Constabulary Force says news that a 26-year-old man was handed a life sentence for possession of a prohibited weapon, is testimony to their commitment in ensuring safety for law-abiding citizens.

In a release on Friday, the corporate communications unit of the JCF said that by curbing the threat posed by illegal firearms in communities, it can offer more protection to residents.

This after 26-year-old Atlee Eric Murray of a March Pen Road aaddres in St Catherine was handed a life sentence following a landmark conviction.

Reports are that on the night of December 24, 2022, at approximately 9:35 pm, officers were patrolling the March Pen Road, Spanish Town vicinity when they spotted a group of men near Big Tree. Noticing the police’s presence, Murray reportedly made a sudden attempt to flee the scene. During the pursuit, officers observed Murray removing a firearm from his waistband.

After apprehending him, a Taurus 9mm pistol along with the one magazine containing thirteen 9mm cartridges were recovered. Murray was arrested and taken to the Spanish Town Police Station. After undergoing a formal question-and-answer session, he was charged and the case was escalated to the St Catherine Parish Court.

Due to the severity of the crime, the matter was subsequently transferred to the Gun Court Division of the Supreme Court.

Murray pled guilty to the charges and on October 26, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the possession of a prohibited weapon, with the possibility of parole only after 15 years.

Additionally, he received a nine-year sentence for unauthorised possession of ammunition.