The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) says it will be appealing the life sentence imposed on a St Catherine man who was caught with an illegal firearm. The ODPP says the sentence, which the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) described as landmark, exceeds the punishment stipulated by the Firearms Act.

In what was described as a significant development in the fight against illegal arms, the JCF said the sentence is testimony to their commitment to ensuring safety for law-abiding citizens.

According to police reports, on the night of December 24, 2022, at approximately 9:35 pm, officers were patrolling the March Pen Road, Spanish Town vicinity in St Catherine when they spotted a group of men near Big Tree. Noticing the police’s presence, 26-year-old Atlee Murray reportedly made a sudden attempt to flee the scene. During the pursuit, officers said they observed Murray removing a firearm from his waistband.

READ: Man receives life imprisonment for possession of weapon and ammo

DPP Paula Llewellyn, in Monday’s release, said the maximum sentence which could have been imposed on Murray for possession of a prohibited weapon was 25 years’ imprisonment, with him serving 10 years before being eligible for parole.

The ODPP also revealed that the sentence imposed on Murray for unauthorised possession of ammunition fell below the minimum stated in law. The DPP said for that offence, Murray could only have been sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility for parole after 15 years.

Llewellyn said the sentences are, therefore, null and an appeal will be made.

“…In the interest of justice, I will be filing an appeal in respect of the sentences imposed, where the Court of Appeal can review the entire handling of the case and deal with it as they deem appropriate. The ODPP would therefore be requesting that the Court of Appeal set aside the sentences as they would be a nullity,” the DPP said.

The release went on to state that the Court of Appeal possesses wide powers and highlighted that it is their prerogative to deal with the matter as they see fit to meet justice.