Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell has mandated that Stephen Javon Freeman, a 23-year-old with no fixed residence, serve an additional two years and 176 days in prison for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Freeman admitted guilt in the No. 4 Supreme Court on November 13, 2022, for having a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol and ten rounds of ammunition without valid permits. Initially, the court considered an eight-year sentence for each offense but decided against imposing fines, citing aggravating factors and Freeman’s behavioral reports. Justice Smith-Bovell emphasized the need for a structured environment with vocational training to aid Freeman’s rehabilitation and societal reintegration. She also ordered a psychological assessment and placement in educational and vocational programs, with progress reviews scheduled for April 24, 2026. Aggravating factors included the gun being loaded, in good working order, and kept in a public place, while the only mitigating factor was the weapon’s recovery. Freeman’s pre-sentence report highlighted his high risk of re-offending, gang affiliation, and illegal drug use, despite his remorse and guilty plea. Discounts were applied for his guilty plea and time spent on remand. State Counsel Paul Prescod prosecuted the case, with defense attorneys Simon Clarke and Ken Mason representing Freeman. Freeman was apprehended after officers on patrol in New Orleans, St Michael, noticed him behaving suspiciously. A search revealed the firearm hidden in his crotch area. During questioning, Freeman claimed he found the gun near the Globe roundabout six days prior and had not fired it, expressing fear of being charged if he turned it in to the police.