A 27-year-old construction worker, Akini Walker, pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition after police discovered a high-powered rifle hidden in his bedroom, during the execution of a search warrant at his home.
Walker entered his guilty plea in court following his arrest on Sunday morning.
The court heard that officers alerted Walker to their presence before witnessing him attempting to jump through a bedroom window.
Police then forced entry into the house and after handing Walker a copy of the search warrant, discovered a rifle with an attached magazine concealed in the bed box lining of the same bedroom from which Walker was trying to escape.
When questioned about the firearm, Walker allegedly told officers “A man gave me to hold for him, or he will kill me.” He did not respond when asked if he held a firearm license.
The rifle contained one magazine with 18 rounds of 7.62×51 ammunition, though no bullets were found in the chamber. Walker admitted to both offenses.
The prosecution described the weapon as an extremely dangerous battle rifle capable of firing 600 to 700 rounds per minute with a range of 1000 meters.
Only Level 3 vests can withstand bullets from this weapon, and no police officer in Antigua has such protective equipment, the prosecutor told the court.
Defence attorney Sherfield Bowen argued his client was mistreated during the arrest process.
He said that his client was beaten and battered in order to gain access to his phone to the point that he had to be allegedly taken to hospital but not given medication that was offered.
The court learned Walker has no children and his only previous conviction was for cannabis possession.
The prosecution also noted that the defendant cooperated with police during the investigation.
Walker is scheduled to appear for sentencing Wednesday, June 11.
