It’s been almost 20 years since the guideline case of Jerome Bovell stipulated severe penalties for gun offences, but the instances of such crimes have not decreased since then.
So said Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell as she sentenced convicted gunman Damian Antonio Branch to ten years in jail.
However, he will serve five years 362 days after a number of deductions were made.
“Notwithstanding the time that has elapsed between the pronouncements in Jerome Bovell and today, the use of firearms in society has increased rather than decreased and, as stated in the case, all sentences should convey to the public the seriousness of the charges,” the judge said. (HLE)
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