One Birk Padberk, a German national, was yesterday convicted and sentenced to a fine of D5,000 or in default to serve 18 months of imprisonment by Magistrate BY Camara of the Banjul Magistartes’ Court.

Mr Padberk’s conviction and sentence came upon his plea of guilt for both importing and being illegally in possession of fire arms.

Narrating the facts before the court’s Inspector Yaya Touray, the Prosecution Officer, said personnel of the Secret Intelligence Unit (SIU) at the Police Headquarters on 25 October, 2007, received an information that the accused was involved in pornographic activities at his residence in Cape Point.

Inspector Touray further stated that some SIU personnel rushed into his residence, adding that on their arrival they immediately conducted a search in his house, which led them to the discovery of a pistol and 10 live rounds of  amunition. He also told the court that during interrogation, the accused acknowledged that he had no license, neither any authority from the Inspector General of Police.

Inspector Touray further informed the court that Mr Padberk was subsequently arrested and detained at the Police Headquarters in Banjul. According to him, the said pistol and ammunition found in the possession of the accused person were taken to a military barrack for examination, which was followed by a report from the Army Headquarters, Banjul. The pistol and the ammunition were tendered in court and marked as exhibits.

Magistrate Camara sentenced the accused on count one to a fine of D2,000, and on count two to D3,000 or in default to serve 18 months of imprisonment. He then ordered that the pistol and the ammunition be confiscated by the state.

It could be recalled that Mr Padberk was last week found guilty and convicted on charges of pornography.