Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro, Officer in Charge of the Serious Crime Unit - The Bermuda Police Service would like to acknowledge the significant sentence handed down today in the Supreme Court regarding Mr. Anthony Swan. Mr. Swan was convicted of firing multiple shots at persons with a firearm at a busy location on Court Street, Hamilton on 16th December, 2009. Fortunately, no members of the public were harmed during this incident, which clearly traumatized many members of our community. The flagrant disregard for life was apparent in chilling images of this incident captured on Hamilton CCTV cameras.

The sentencing of Mr. Swan today to 12 years imprisonment represents the culmination of several months of dedicated work by members of the Police Service, and the prosecutors in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Another person is due to stand trial for this same incident later in the year.

This should again serve as a strong reminder to all members of the public that gun and gang crime in any shape or form, will not be tolerated.

We would also like members of the public to note the sentence of Mr. Omari Gordon to ten years imprisonment in the Supreme Court today as well. Mr. Gordon discharged a firearm on 29th November, 2008 whilst frontline operational Police Officers were attempting to stop Mr. Gordon during a routine traffic patrol.

Assistant Commissioner of Police – Mr. David Mirfield said, “This once again demonstrates that those who choose to pick up guns and engage in criminal acts will be pursued, will be caught and punished by the courts. I sincerely hope that this long sentence of imprisonment will act as a deterrent.”

The disruption and reduction of gun & gang activity is a central focus of the Bermuda Police Service. Members of the Serious Crime Unit have worked tirelessly on these and other cases in recent months, and we would like to reassure every member of the community that the pursuit of justice for all victims of crime and making Bermuda safer remains our priority. This case, and other recent cases in the courts demonstrate our collective resolve with our community & Government partners to making Bermuda safer.