KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 30-year-old mechanic of a St James address was on Tuesday found not guilty of being in possession of an illegal firearm and 10 rounds of ammunition.

It was alleged that the mechanic, Okeito Hibbert, on the night of September 14, 2024 was seen on a roadway in the Mona Commons community attempting to dispose of a firearm that was seen in his waistband on approach by a team of police officers.

During the trial in the Gun Court Hibbert denied this account and asserted through his attorneys King’s Counsel  (KC) Peter Champagnie and Patrice Riley that while the police in fact found a gun and ammunition they were discovered underneath a car where a group of men had congregated.

While admitting that he was in control of the car Hibbert claimed that the police officer who accosted him was intoxicated and not being truthful.

Only one of the police officers gave evidence.

Under cross examination by KC Champagnie it was borne out that the gun and ammunition were tested for DNA. DNA samples were also taken from Hibbert. The DNA results did not link Hibbert to either the firearm or the ammunition.

In finding the accused not guilty the trial judge commented on the fact that only one of the several police officers gave evidence of the incident and the account given.

Attorneys  Champagnie and Patrice Riley completed their case without calling any witnesses.