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By Alric Lindsay
Asheimo Relando McDonald appeared in the Grand Court today, November 29, 2024, where he pled not guilty to attempted murder and guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition. His bail was extended for him to return to the Grand Court in February 2025.
Attempted Murder
According to the Grand Court, on August 28, 2024, McDonald allegedly attempted to murder Sean Evans on Shamrock Road. McDonald denied this.
Possession of firearm
Regarding the firearm, it was explained in the Grand Court that on the same date, McDonald possessed a firearm with intent to commit an offence. The firearm was a modified flare gun capable of discharging 12-gauge shotgun cartridges. He pled guilty.
Possession of ammunition
As a separate charge, it was alleged that McDonald possessed unlicensed ammunition, being two 12-gauge shotgun cartridges. He pled guilty.
Next steps
It was noted that a social inquiry report would be ordered for the purpose of the sentencing. In the circumstances, McDonald’s bail was extended to February 2025.
Note to readers:
Attempted murder is covered under section 194 of the Penal Code. This states:
Attempts to murder
194. A person who (a) attempts unlawfully to cause the death of another; or (b) with intent unlawfully to cause the death of another does any act or omits to do any act which it is that person’s duty to do, such act or omission being of such a nature as to be likely to endanger human life, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for life.
Possession of a firearm is covered under section 18(6) of the Firearms Act. This states:
(6) A person who has in his or her possession a firearm, an imitation firearm, ammunition or a prohibited weapon with intent and by means of the firearm, imitation firearm, ammunition or prohibited weapon (a) to commit an offence; (b) to endanger life or cause serious injury to property; (c) to resist arrest or prevent the arrest of another person; or (d) to enable another person to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, whether any injury to person or property has been caused or not, commits an offence and, subject to section 39, is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both.
Possession of ammunition is under section 15(1) & 5 of the Firearms Act. These state:
15. (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall be in possession of any firearm except under and in accordance with the terms of a Firearm User’s (Restricted) Licence.
(5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), a person who contravenes — (a) subsection (1) commits an offence and, subject to section 39, is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both except that where the firearm is a prohibited weapon the person is liable on conviction to the penalty under paragraph (d).
