A mental health patient jailed just over a year ago for a functioning gun he made was sent to the mental health centre on Friday for observation, one day after police alleged that he had two firearms and three rounds of ammunition without a licence.
Police said they had a prohibited weapon, a modified .32 firearm and three rounds of .32 ammunition from Kesroy Williams, 27, in Belair, East St George, where he lives.
It was the second time in 18 months that Williams, who has a history of mental illness, was arrested by police for firearms and ammunition possession.
In July 2024, Williams was arrested and charged with possession of a .38 pistol and three rounds of .38 ammunition.
When he appeared before the Serious Offences Court then, he pleaded guilty to the charges. Sentencing was deferred and he was sent to the Mental Health Centre for psychiatric evaluation.
In December 2024, after spending just over four months on remand, Williams reappeared before the Serious Offences Court. He told the court he made the firearm using a number of items, including pieces of scrap metal, a spring from an umbrella, epoxy and screws.
Police said the weapon was tested and proved to be functioning.
Senior Magistrate Colin John commended Williams then and advised him to use his talent to do things that are legal.
In addition to the time he spent on remand, Williams was sentenced to a further seven months in prison for the firearm.
He was also sentenced to three months for the ammunition, to run concurrently.
Then, on Thursday, Williams was again arrested and charged with firearms and ammunition possession.
This time, one of the two weapons allegedly seized is a “prohibited” weapon, police said.
This means that civilians are generally not permitted to possess these types of weapons, and police generally do not issue permits to civilians to keep them.
Police said in a press release Friday that the weapons and ammunition were seized during “a joint operation involving multiple units” of the police force, underscoring the police force’s intelligence-led and coordinated approach to removing illegal firearms and preventing gun-related violence”.
The press release said the seizure represents “a significant intervention, as each illegal weapon seized reduces the potential for serious harm within communities”.
Williams appeared before the Mesopotamia Magistrate Court on Friday. The magistrate ordered that he be taken to the Mental Health Centre for a two-week evaluation.
The matter was adjourned to Feb. 20 and transferred to the Serious Offences Court.
The police said in the release that efforts were continuing in pursuit of those who traffic in, or harbour those who traffic in, or use, illegal firearms.
The constabulary has reminded the public that “information from citizens remains a critical part of successful operations” and that persons who “witness suspicious activity or have knowledge of illegal firearms or other criminal activity” should report it promptly.