A 27-year-old Villa resident has been sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to possession of an illegal firearm — his second conviction for a firearms-related offence.
According to Antigua Observer, Datwan Simon admitted ownership of a black and silver 1911 Colt 9mm pistol when confronted by police, entering a guilty plea last month. Simon appeared before Chief Magistrate, where the sentence was handed down.
Authorities noted that Simon cooperated immediately upon being confronted, openly acknowledging that the weapon belonged to him. Despite that admission, the court took into account his prior firearms conviction when determining the sentence.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about illegal firearm possession in Antigua and Barbuda, as authorities continue efforts to crack down on the proliferation of unlicensed weapons across the island.
