A 79-year-old businessman from the US has been fined after he pleaded responsible to gun-related prices in Dominica.
The person, recognized as William Elton Kennedy from Louisiana, was fined EC$7,500 in court docket.
Particulars of the incident
This incident unfolded following his arrival at Douglas Charles Airport on January 24, 2024, accompanied by his spouse and two pilots aboard his non-public jet.
Studies are that upon Kennedy’s return to the airport on January 28, an inspection by the pilot, Phillip Schiatel, led to the invention of a 9mm pistol and two magazines loaded with ammunition hid throughout the plane.
This discovery prompted the involvement of floor handlers and, subsequently, the police, who took possession of the firearm and ammunition.
Kennedy confessed to bringing the gadgets to Dominica with out correct declaration, citing unawareness of the authorized necessities for touring with firearms to the island.
Kennedy was arrested and confronted a cost of importation of a firearm and importation of ammunition into Dominica and not using a firearm and ammunition license.
Nonetheless, these two prices had been withdrawn by the prosecution after he pleaded responsible to his failure to declare the firearm and ammunition to customs.
Authorized proceedings and final result
Through the court docket proceedings, Kennedy’s lawyer highlighted his consumer’s age, lack of prior convictions, and cooperation with native authorities as mitigating elements.
The plea emphasised Kennedy’s honesty and instant act of contrition, suggesting a non-custodial sentence.
Justice of the Peace Michael Laudat, addressing the case, underscored the precept that ignorance of the legislation excuses nobody.
Nonetheless, recognizing Kennedy’s cooperation and responsible plea, which spared the court docket a protracted trial, Laudat opted towards incarceration.
As an alternative, Kennedy was ordered to pay a wonderful for his failure to declare the firearm and ammunition, which he settled promptly.
