BB pistol owner to serve out time

Ricardo Ervin Goddard was given a starting sentence of seven years in prison for an illegal gun by the No. 5 Supreme Court.

However, he will serve a remaining 465 days after deductions.

Goddard, of Melrose, St Thomas, had pleaded guilty, earlier in the Session of the Continuous Sittings, to having a 4.55 BB-calibre pistol in his possession on February 5, 2021.

He was represented by attorney Matthew Willoughby, while State Counsel Kevin Forde appeared for the prosecution. Goddard has six previous convictions for criminal damage, possession, trafficking and possession of cannabis with intent to supply and breaching the COVID-19 Directives.

Justice Pamela Beckles, who imposed the sentence, said she had considered that while a BB gun/air gun was less powerful than a pistol and therefore, less dangerous, it could still kill or injure someone. (HLE)