Former Free National Movement Senator John Bostwick II could spend 15 months in prison if he cannot pay the $15,000 fine that was handed down to him by 11:00 a.m. today.

It was quite a turnout at the South Street Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday afternoon as many descended on the grounds, most of them there to support Mr. Bostwick who is also an attorney.

After an earlier adjournment the 43-year-old accompanied by his family and legal team was back in court to learn his fate after being convicted on ammunition possession charges last month.

It was all smiles outside of court after Magistrate Andrew Forbes fined Bostwick $15,000 to be paid before the next adjournment date, 11 a.m. this morning or spend 15 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Outside of court today, a seemingly humble Bostwick among a crowd of his supporters said he was grateful.

“I am very thankful to all the people who have supported me especially those who came on as character witnesses,” he said.

“All I can say is Thank God and I look forward to getting back to what it is I have to do.”

The former senator had no shortage of well-known figures on hand as character witnesses from former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes to head of the Anglican Church Bishop Laish Boyd and a number of prominent members of the legal fraternity.

Wayne Munroe QC gave the plea mitigation.

He told the Magistrate that jail time would not be a suitable punishment for Bostwick as

He said statements from a number of clergymen and businessman the same showed that Bostwick was an upstanding citizen in the community and nurtured many young people and was adamant about dealing with the issue of gang violence among young men.

He also said evidence didn’t indicate that Bostwick had neither any violent intentions nor the intent to injure or kill.

Bostwick was last month found guilty of possession of Ammunition stemming from an arrest at the Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA) in May 2014.

Airport security allegedly discovered the ammo in Bostwick’s luggage during a check while in the domestic section of the airport.

During the case Bostwick maintained his innocence and claims he was set up but the magistrate ruled against him in saying his statements were both unconvincing and unbelievable.

In 2012, Mr. Bostwick ran unsuccessfully for the FNM for the Bain and Grant’s Town Constituency.

Prior to his arrest, Bostwick was considered a possible leader of the FNM.

He is the son of former leader of the Opposition J. Henry Bostwick and former Attorney-General Janet Bostwick.

Mr. Bostwick is also the author of the Bahamas 2020 Vision, a 20 year plan for the country.

The matter will continue today.