Judges Rule Gun Convict Not Too Sick to Serve Time in Prison

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A gun convict with a history of diabetes, obesity and lung artery blockages is not too sick for jail.

The Court of Appeal rejected an argument that the three-year sentence handed to Thomas Jean Baptiste would amount to a death sentence because of his medical condition.

Baptiste was handed the sentence in 2025 after police found a loaded gun in his vehicle during a search in 2023.

He was granted bail pending appeal because of his medical issues after spending over a month in custody.

Baptiste relied on the case of Ronald Moorehead, a white American businessman, who was deemed too sick for jail and fined for gun possession due to having type II Diabetes.

However, the Court of Appeal noted that Baptiste’s case differed from Moorehead’s.

In Moorhead’s case, Commissioner Doan Cleare said the facility could not treat or manage Moorehead’s illness, however, the prison doctor said that Baptiste’s ailments were routinely treated.

The doctor also recommended that Baptiste have a bed, access to bath and toilet facilities as well as a daily exercise regimen.

As a result, the Court revoked Baptiste’s bail and ordered him to serve the two years, 10 months and 16 days remaining on his sentence.