Plea bargain deal gifts Old Harbour Bay man six-year sentence

Puisne judge, Justice Grace Henry-McKenzie handed down the sentence to Joseph Simpson who on July 8, 2021, pleaded guilty to the offences of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. 

He escaped a harsher sentence after his attorney entered a plea bargain, the police informed Old Harbour News, which also averted the matter from going to trial.

In May 2020, Simpson was arrested on reasonable suspicion of being in possession of an illegal gun following a raid on his premises by members of the security forces.

A Taurus 9mm handgun with 17 live rounds was found on the premises but Simpson, 38, vehemently denied knowledge of the weapon to detectives.

• 'Natty' pleads guilty to gun charge one year later

However, he confessed after DNA and digital forensics data provided irrefutable evidence linking him to the weapon, investigators say.

The police told Old Harbour News that Simpson, also known as 'Natty' is a recidivist or repeat offender. In 2018 he was released from prison after serving time on conviction of illegal gun and ammunition.

Investigators say they are also probing two murders committed in the Old Harbour Bay area in which it is believed that the same firearm found on Simpson's premises was used in executing those crimes.

DSP Mark Harris commended the investigative team at the Old Harbour CIB for their high quality of work which led to a conviction.

"It is a good day for law enforcement as it relates to taking illegal guns from off the streets and getting convictions for persons who are in possession of them," DSP Harris told Old Harbour News.