Loren Walwyn

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

Loren Walwyn

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

Loren Walwyn was today, February 8, sentenced to a total of one year in prison for having a loaded illegal gun at his Horse Path home.

Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards sentenced him to 12 months in prison for keeping a firearm without a license [9mm pistol] and four months in prison for unlawful possession of explosives [8 rounds]. The sentences are to run concurrent and from the date of remand.

At his sentencing hearing on Monday, Attorney Herbert McKenzie made a plea for leniency on behalf of his client where he presented two written character testimonials to the court. He stated that both documents stressed the offence for which the defendant was before the court was out of character.

He further told the court that Walwyn, 25, is not without redemption and pointed out the testimonials explained that Walwyn excelled academically at his U.S. high school and was featured in an edition of the 'Who is Who' school publication.

It was also mentioned that Walwyn made the National Dean's List.

"It shows that somewhere down the line something went wrong in this young man's life and that caused this change," McKenzie pointed out.

It was noted that Walwyn has no previous case involving the use of a firearm and he did not have the firearm to rob, rape or pillage. According to McKenzie, Walwyn said he had it for protection, a misguided hope though it was.

Walwyn is a BVI native, employed with the Water and Sewerage Department. He pleaded guilty on December 14, 2012. He apologized to the court, his family and the police officers for his actions.

Walwyn was initially granted $80,000.00 bail with a $20,000 cash component and ordered to report to the Police Station six days per week. He was also placed on a curfew from 8:00 pm to 7:00 am and ordered to stay away from Basil Prescott, who he claimed he was protecting himself from.

During an appearance last November, Principal Crown Counsel Tiffany Scatliffe said as a result of a complaint made to police, on October 31, 2012 officers had cause to execute a search warrant at Walwyn's residence around 6:30 am.

She said upon arrival at the house, they met a young woman and Walwyn and during the search, Walwyn gave police difficulties.

Scatliffe said the gun was found in the bedroom and when cautioned, Walwyn allegedly told officers, "I ain't feel sorry for nothing; of course I must have it to protect myself because ayo ain't protecting me."

The young woman and Walwyn were taken to the Road Town Police Station. During the police interview, the female denied knowing that the firearm was in the bedroom.

According to allegations, Walwyn told officers that he was keeping the gun to protect himself from Basil Prescott, a person who he had a recent altercation with. Walwyn told police that Prescott had threatened him.