BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE hammer of justice today descended swiftly upon Vernlyn Zakers and she was sentenced to take up residence at Her Majesty’s Prison as punishment for the firearm-related offences for which she was convicted yesterday (July, 22).
Before a packed courtroom, one of Zakers’ defence attorneys, Dr. Henry Browne spoke on the lass’ behalf and presented mitigating pleas to the court.
His submissions to the court were based on the convicted woman’s tender age, 22, her otherwise unblemished record and the fact that she is the mother of two children – one four years old and the other five months of age – whom, as he explained, are at that delicate stage of their lives when the presence of their mother is a necessity.
He also told the court that the young lady regularly attends the Anglican Church and up until the incident, which landed her in her present situation, “she associated herself with persons of good character”.
With all that said, Dr. Browne noted that this day is a poignant one for all concerned and as Zakers stands before the court with “extreme penitence”, it is hoped that justice would be dispensed with mercy.
His submission was that His Lordship Justice Francis Belle should grant Zakers an opportunity to “make amends” and to be rehabilitated. He described his client’s act as a “solitary foolish one” but noted that she, bearing in mind her past, is “a fit candidate for leniency”.
In response, Justice Francis Belle indicated that he listened to all submissions made by counsel, “however, these are very serious offences especially in light of what the country is going through”. He indicated that he did not only take the issue of the firearms into consideration, but also the kind of damage which could have been caused should the guns and ammunition have been allowed to hit the Federation’s streets.
The trial judge said he took Zakers’ age, the fact that she has two children, and other submissions into consideration and on the first count, illegal possession of firearms, she was sentenced to eight years imprisonment. On the second count, illegal possession of ammunition, she was sentenced to eight years imprisonment, and the two are to run concurrently.
On the third and fourth counts, illegal importation of firearms and illegal importation of ammunition, she was ordered to pay $10 000 and serve five years imprisonment on each count. These sentences too are to run concurrently. The sums are to be paid within 12 months.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Zakers cleared three packages at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport which contained six firearms, 400 rounds of ammunition and magazines.
The Newton Ground woman was taken from the court house to Her Majesty’s Prison via a vehicle attached to that institution. While exiting the court house, tears were seen trickling down her slender face.
