The accused was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon after police found a loaded handgun tucked into his waistband during a high-risk vehicle stop.
The accused raised a 'hot potato' defence, claiming the driver of the vehicle suddenly tossed the gun onto his lap as police approached, and he reacted by hiding it in his pants out of fear of being shot.
The court rejected the accused's evidence as implausible and inconsistent with the observations of multiple police officers who maintained constant surveillance of the vehicle.
The court found the accused guilty on both counts, concluding he had actual knowing possession and control of the concealed firearm.
