Rasbert Turner, Spanish Town

A 24-year-old man who was arrested during a pre-dawn raid at a dance in Spanish Town on Saturday morning was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

He is Everald Campbell of Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, St Catherine. Campbell was arrested on Saturday and charged with absconding bail. At the time of his arrest, he had been on the run for three years.

When Campbell appeared before RM Marcia Dunbar-Green, he pleaded guilty.

Three persons charged

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Ottie Williams of the Spanish Town Police Station told the courts that Campbell was one of three persons charged with illegal possession of firearm and ammunition in 2005, but failed to reappear after being granted bail.

He told the court that Campbell was at a dance on Saturday, when members of the military and police personnel swooped down. He was one of several persons picked up. After serving the 12 months, the accused will be tried for breaching the Firearm Act.