The Director of Public Prosecutions has ruled that charges be laid against Opposition Member of Parliament Phillip Paulwell arising from the loss of his licensed firearm in July. DPP Paula Llewellyn arrived at that decision more than a week ago, following an investigation by the Half-Way-Tree Police. Assistant Commissioner Cleon Marsh, head of the Criminal Investigation Branch, confirmed to Radio Jamaica News that instructions have been given to the Half-Way-Tree CIB to lay charges against the MP for criminal negligence in the loss of his firearm. He’s to be charged later this week. It’s reported that, sometime in July, Mr Paulwell filed a report with the police that thieves broke into his vehicle and stole his licensed firearm and several rounds of ammunition. It’s understood that Mr Paulwell became ill and stopped at a friend’s house in St Andrew. While at the property, it’s reported that men travelling in a Toyota Probox motor vehicle smashed the back glass of his vehicle and removed a pouch with the firearm. DPP Paula Llewellyn confirmed that she had ruled in the matter when contacted by Radio Jamaica News last night. Mr Paulwell is also the Opposition spokesman on Energy and a powerful figure in the People’s National Party.
