Justice B. Knazan

The accused was charged with failing to stop and provide name and address after a motor vehicle collision that resulted in bodily harm, contrary to section 320.16(2) of the Criminal Code.

The accused had collided with a cyclist on a Toronto street.

After the collision, the cyclist punched the accused through the car window, injuring him.

The accused drove away without stopping or providing his name and address.

The central issue was whether the accused had a reasonable excuse for failing to stop and provide information, and if so, whether that excuse was a complete defence or whether the accused remained obligated to report the accident to police at a later time.

The accused pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a loaded restricted firearm on May 9, 2018, when he was 18 years old with no prior criminal record.

The Crown sought a sentence of four years imprisonment, while the defence argued for a shorter sentence considering the accused's youth, clean record, and circumstances including systemic discrimination against young Black men and his legitimate fear for his safety.

The court imposed a sentence of two years less one day in provincial jail followed by three years' probation, with lifetime weapons prohibitions.