Sentencing for offences involving possession of a handgun without a licence or registration certificate, carrying a concealed weapon, and multiple breaches of recognizance conditions.
The accused was arrested in a public place with a handgun, ammunition incompatible with the firearm, drugs, and multiple cell phones while on bail.
The court emphasized the importance of denunciation, deterrence, and protection of the public in handgun cases, while also considering the offender’s youth, rehabilitative efforts, supportive community ties, and positive pre‑sentence report.
The court rejected a conditional sentence as insufficient to meet sentencing objectives but determined that a penitentiary sentence was unnecessary.
A total custodial sentence of 21 months was imposed, reduced after credit for pre‑sentence custody and restrictive bail conditions.
