By Michael McLean, Star Writer
Lacovia

A 17-year-old youth who pleaded guilty to possession of firearm and ammunition was remanded in custody when he appeared in the Santa Cruz Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Jason Clarke of Rocky Hill district is charged with possession of a home-made shot gun and several rounds of ammunition. When he appeared before Resident Magistrate Dionne Meyler-Reid dressed in a vest, football shorts and wearing a pair of slippers, he told the court that he found the illegal weapon and ammunition elsewhere. "A find mi find dem miss," Clarke said smilingly.

According to police report, on Sunday, August 7, about 6:30 am the Santa Cruz police, acting on information, carried out an operation at Rock Hill district, about 2¹/² miles from the town of Santa Cruz, where they search a house occupied by the accused man.

The police said the ammunitions were found inside the house, while the shot gun was found on the outside. The accused was subsequently arrested and charged for the offences.

The investigating officer, Corporal Chaplin Reid, informed the court that the accused had previous conviction for robbery charges where he was given a three-month suspended sentence at the St Elizabeth Circuit Court in 2005.

It was at that time that the RM, who took time out to counsel the juvenile, decided to remand him in custody at the Stony Hill Place of Safety until November 12.