Dr. Patrina Duhaney

Abdul Malik Kamara was convicted of possessing a loaded Glock 27 firearm with a defaced serial number while subject to two firearms prohibitions under s. 109 of the Criminal Code.

This was his third conviction for possession of a loaded firearm.

The court considered extensive social context evidence, including an Impact of Race and Culture Assessment highlighting systemic anti-Black racism and trauma in Mr. Kamara’s life, as well as harsh incarceration conditions at the Toronto South Detention Centre.

The Crown sought a 9-year penitentiary sentence, while the defence recommended 6 years.

The court imposed a global sentence of 8 years, reflecting denunciation and deterrence, with credit for pre-sentence custody and harsh jail conditions, and apportioned the sentence across multiple counts including possession while prohibited and possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number.

Mohamed Hassan was sentenced for firearms and counterfeiting offences.

Police found a loaded handgun, counterfeit money, and counterfeiting tools at his home.

He was found guilty of multiple firearms offences after trial and admitted guilt to counterfeiting offences.

The court considered aggravating factors, including his criminal record, the sophistication of the counterfeiting operation, and possession of a loaded defaced firearm while on bail.

Mitigating factors included his youth at the time of the offence, strong family support, religious faith, mentorship of younger cousins, and efforts towards rehabilitation, as detailed in an Impact of Race and Culture Assessment (IRCA).

The court imposed a global sentence of two years and ten months, after credit for pre-sentence custody and bail conditions, emphasizing denunciation and deterrence while acknowledging rehabilitative potential and the systemic challenges highlighted by the IRCA.