The accused, a youthful first offender and heroin addict, pleaded guilty to trafficking in a substance held out to be heroin.
He purchased what he believed was heroin for a friend who was experiencing withdrawal.
Unbeknownst to both, the substance was fentanyl, and the friend died of a fatal overdose.
The Crown sought a 4-year penitentiary sentence, while the defence sought 13 months.
The court found exceptional circumstances, noting the accused was not a commercial drug dealer, had no knowledge the substance was fentanyl, and had made significant rehabilitative efforts.
The court imposed a sentence of 18 months' custody followed by 3 years' probation.
