Danny Pemberton, who was allegedly found with an unlicensed firearm and a bag of cannabis in a rental car he was driving in February 2010, appeared in Magistrates’ Court Monday for the start of his trial.
During a stop-and-search operation, officers allegedly found a Glock 0.38 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number, along with seven rounds of ammunition, and a plastic bag containing eight grams of cannabis in the centre console of the car, testified Constable Dean Robin. Mr. Pemberton was charged with carrying an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of explosives and unlawful possession of cannabis.
He pleaded guilty to a second charge of cannabis possession in relation to a joint allegedly found in his pocket.
On cross-examination by Mr. Pemberton’s lawyer, Stephen Daniels, Mr. Robin acknowledged that the rental company owner had said Mr. Pemberton picked up the car from outside the Central Administration Building, where it was left unlocked in the parking lot.
No fingerprints were taken from the gun, the bag of cannabis or the ammunition, he said. Forensic officers advised the lawyer that it was likely not possible to lift fingerprints from the gun handle, but he was not told a reason why the other materials could not be fingerprinted, he said.
Senior Magistrate Valerie Stephens ordered Mr. Pemberton to return to court Jan. 13, when his trial will continue.