Jahrell Edwards pleaded guilty to unauthorized possession of a loaded restricted handgun.
The Crown sought a three-year penitentiary sentence, while the Defence argued for a conditional sentence, emphasizing the impact of anti-Black racism and social context on the offender, as per R. v. Morris.
The court considered the gravity of the offence, Mr. Edwards' personal circumstances, and numerous mitigating factors, including his lack of prior record, stable employment, and engagement in counseling.
The judge found that a conditional sentence of two years less one day, to be served in the community, followed by 24 months probation, was the proportionate sentence, prioritizing rehabilitation and restraint while still addressing denunciation and deterrence.
