Student remanded for smuggling BB guns (Update)

An electrical engineering student was remanded into custody today after he admitted trying to smuggle two BB guns into Bermuda.

Shaquille Crockwell, 21, flew into Bermuda from Rhode Island on April 22. 

When he arrived at Customs he was asked if he had anything to declare and said 'no'.

When officers searched his bags, they found parts for two Colt Automatic .25 BB guns, including pellets and magazines.

The parts were in various parts of Crockwell’s luggage, included stuffed in sneakers and rolled up in socks.

The court heard the guns and pellets were seized and a firearms expert determined they were in working condition.

Crockwell originally pleaded not guilty to importing a firearm in Bermuda but Crown Counsel Susan Mulligan changed the charge to importing a prohibited weapon, a BB gun.

Duty counsel Oonagh Vaucrosson told the court Crockwell enjoys taking the guns apart and putting them back together in Rhode Island.

Crockwell claimed he didn't realise the guns were in his luggage as he packed his bags quickly.

The court also heard Crockwell is due to leave Bermuda tomorrow to travel back to Rhode Island to continue his studies.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner doubted Crockwell’s story and said: “He knows he’s coming through customs. He tries to hide them.

“He must know that they are illegal. Why is he still trying to do that?”

Ms Vaucrosson, mitigating for Crockwell said: “Mr Crockwell made some poor choices.

“He comes before you and he’s plead guilty to this offence. He is apologetic.

“He asks to be able to continue his education so that he can come back to Bermuda as a productive member of society.”

She continued: “It's the first time that Mr Crockwell comes before these courts and it’s somewhat of a serious mistake in that regard.

‘This was very bad judgement on his part.”

Mr Warner said: “We can’t claim to make this kind of mistake in this environment.”

He then remanded Crockwell into custody and ordered a social inquiry report.

Crockwell will be sentenced on July 26.