By Clestine Juan

FORMER policeman, Tito Benons, was handed a two-year jail sentence by Magistrate Fabayo Azore after he was found guilty of illegal possession of a gun and ammunition.Benons was found guilty on Friday at the conclusion of a three-month long trial for having in possession a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol on March 26, at Norton Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown, without being the holder of a firearm licence.
He was also convicted for having 15 live rounds of ammunition in his possession on the day in question, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. The former police constable, who said he was attached to the Berbice Anti-Crime Unit, told the court that on the day in question, he and his cousins and friend were riding their motorcycles along Cemetery Road.
According to Benons, he was the pillion rider on his friend’s motorcycle when he noticed a black object lying on the side of the road. The defendant said he retrieved the weapon and was taking it to the Brickdam Police Station when he was intercepted by the police.
He was taken into custody and escorted to the Brickdam Police Station Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where he was handed over to Sergeant Sarrabo. He added that he relayed his story to the Sergeant but was still charged.
But Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Telford, informed the court that Benons told the ranks that the weapon belonged to him and that it was for his protection
Benons begged the magistrate for leniency and told the court that he came from a broken home and was raised by his grandmother.
“My grandmother tried with me,” the convict explained while telling the court that he had worked as a teacher for 12 years before resigning to join the Guyana Police Force because his family comes from a military background.
“Your worship give me another chance… I’m begging you,” the ex-police officer said in his plea for mercy.
The magistrate took into consideration the seriousness, prevalence and penalty which the offence attracts. Benons was sentenced to two years imprisonment on each charge,but the sentences will run concurrently. He was also fined $50,000 on each charge.
The defendant had made his first court appearance in March 2016 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.