A first-time offender who led police on a high-speed chase, crashed, and threatened a minor to take the blame for a firearm has been sentenced to additional prison time, with the court stressing the need for deterrence and public safety.

In sentencing Zico Williams, Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell said: “This clearly is not one of those situations where a fine is appropriate. Innocent people were injured because of the accident. The now convicted man sought to threaten a young child.  A custodial sentence is clearly warranted to drive home the seriousness of the offence, to deter others from committing similar offence, to protect society and maintain the public’s confidence in the justice system.”

She gave him starting sentences of nine years for having a .38 special calibre Detective Special revolver and seven years for having 14 rounds of ammunition on October 16, 2022.