Licensed firearm holder sentenced

A licensed firearm holder who shot and injured a farmer after confrontation over a goat was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison in the Gun Court on Friday.

He is Wilbert Thompson, 49, from Barking Lodge, St Thomas.

Thompson was sentenced to seven years for illegal possession of firearm and 10 years for wounding with intent.

Detective Sergeant Luhas Daniels led evidence that in 2009 the complainant went to his farm which is adjacent to the accused man's house. He found a number of his goats dead and others missing.

He went in search of the rest of his herd and found one tied on Thompson's property.

After untying the animal he was confronted by Thompson, who said the goat was his.

As the complainant was about to move, the accused pulled his licensed firearm and fired shots hitting the complainant on his legs.

A subsequent report was made and an investigation was launched,resulting in Thompson being charged with illegal poss-ession of firearm and wounding with intent.

- R.T.