A High Court judge has imposed $30 000 in fines on a self-confessed gun offender, underscoring that steadily increasing penalties reflect the State’s aggressive response to rising gun violence.

Devene Rhanelda Gale-Forde, of Inch Marlow, Christ Church, was ordered to pay $20 000 immediately for having a 9 mm calibre Glock on August 26, 2025. He was fined a further $10 000 for having 17 rounds of ammunition, payable by December 19.

Justice Pamela Beckles said: “Unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition are serious offences for which Parliament intended should be visited with stiff penalties, clearly signalling society’s intolerance and disapproval for such offences, as these types of offences endanger society and its citizens.