An American visitor who “accidentally” travelled to Bermuda with 38 rounds of ammunition in his luggage has been fined $300.

Johnny Jefferson flew to Bermuda last month from Houston to escape Hurricane Harvey, Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.

Jefferson was leaving the island on September 1 when airport security detected the bullets in his bag.

The 55-year-old was arrested and told officers that he thought he had left the ammunition in a different bag with his gun in Memphis.

He admitted possessing ammunition and told the court: “This was an innocent mistake. I had no idea the ammunition was in my bag when I came to Bermuda.

“Since this is my first offence, I ask you to have mercy on me.”

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo told Jefferson that he accepted his explanation.

He added: “I am glad that Bermuda was able to give you some safety from Hurricane Harvey.

“But unfortunately we don’t want ammunition coming into this country. We take it very seriously.”

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