This decision outlines the reasons for sentencing Romario Watts and Lamar Bartley following their convictions for multiple armed robberies and related offences.
Watts was found guilty of six armed robberies, six counts of masking, one attempted armed robbery, and possession of a loaded restricted firearm.
Bartley was found guilty of one armed robbery, one count of masking, and several motor vehicle offences related to fleeing police.
The court applied sentencing principles including denunciation, deterrence, proportionality, and totality, emphasizing the seriousness of firearm offences.
Aggravating factors for Watts included the number of robberies, use of a loaded firearm, and planning.
Mitigating factors for Watts were his age and lack of criminal record.
For Bartley, mitigating factors included his role (not armed) and surrender, while aggravating factors included the dangerous flight from police.
The court also considered pre-trial custody credits and potential immigration consequences for Bartley.
Watts received a global sentence of 12 years, and Bartley received a global sentence of 5 years and 3 months.
