KUCHING: A local blacksmith was placed on a good behaviour bond by the Magistrates Court here after he pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
The 57-year-old accused pleaded guilty before Magistrate Zaiton Anuar.
He committed the offences at his house at Kampung Tijrak, Jalan Kuching-Serian around 11.30 am on Dec 6 last year.
According to the fact sheet, the accused was charged under Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act 1960 which provides for a jail term of up to seven years, or a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or both if convicted.
He was also charged under Section 9(2) of the Firearms Act 1960 which carries a jail term not exceeding seven years or a fine of up to RM10,000 or both, upon conviction.
The court sentenced the blacksmith to a one-year behaviour bond and set a bond of RM1,000 with a local surety for each of the charges.
The facts of the case revealed that the police raided the accused’s house and found him working on a shotgun by using a drill.
After further action was taken, the accused handed over the firearms and ammunition to the police.
Investigations also found that the accused possessed the firearms and ammunition without a valid licence and was operating a weapon repair business, also without a valid licence.
Inspector Merylene Lindan Andrew Mang prosecuted the case while the accused was presented by counsel Gerald Empaling Donald.
