The accused pleaded guilty to possession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine and codeine, careless storage of a loaded prohibited .32 calibre handgun, possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, and breach of recognizance.
The Crown sought five years less twelve months credit for time at a treatment facility.
The defence sought a conditional jail sentence for weapons offences and a suspended sentence for drug charges.
The court found exceptional circumstances warranting a departure from typical sentencing ranges, given the accused's extraordinary rehabilitation efforts including completion of a residential treatment program, return to education with a business diploma, community service exceeding 2,100 hours including speaking at schools about addiction, and genuine employment prospects.
The court imposed a two-year-less-a-day conditional sentence for firearms offences followed by two years' probation, a suspended sentence for drug charges with two years' probation, and a suspended sentence for the breach with two years' probation.
