Sentencing following convictions for possession of a loaded restricted firearm and multiple breaches of weapons prohibition and probation orders.
The offender, found sitting on a couch above a loaded handgun in a social gathering location, had an extensive criminal record including prior weapons and drug-related offences and was subject to several court orders at the time of the offence.
The court emphasized denunciation and deterrence as primary sentencing objectives for unlawful possession of loaded firearms in circumstances posing danger to the public.
After reviewing comparable authorities and the offender’s aggravating record, the court imposed a penitentiary sentence for the firearms offence with additional consecutive time for prohibition order breaches.
Enhanced credit of 1.5:1 was granted for lengthy pre-trial custody and injuries sustained while detained.
