Man fined $100 000 for finding six bullets

A man who claimed he found six live rounds of ammunition while "chopping bush" was fined $100,000 when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrates Court on Monday.

Sheldon Francis, 30, pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal possession of ammunition.

Allegations are that on November 13, during a routine spot check in the Corporate Area, the police signalled a motor car to stop. Upon searching the vehicle, the police found six live rounds of ammunition on the seat which was occupied by Francis.

When cautioned by the police, Francis said, "Offica, a my own dem. A chop me a chop bush and find them."

In court, senior RM Judith Pusey expressed amusement at Francis' caution statement. "When you chop bush, you find grasshopper and snail. Me neva know you find those things [ammunition] too," she said.

While handing down her ruling of $100 000 fine or six months' imprisonment, Pusey noted, "When a man is found with so much ammunition it is seen as intent, you know."