M. Farquhar

Idrisso Palmer was found guilty of possession of an unauthorized firearm and a loaded firearm.

The Crown sought a 3-year sentence, while the defence sought a conditional sentence, citing anti-Black racism and strict bail conditions.

The court considered sentencing principles, aggravating and mitigating factors, including Mr. Palmer's social context, lack of male role models, economic disadvantage, and prior lengthy pre-trial custody for charges that were ultimately withdrawn.

The court found a fit sentence to be two years less a day, and imposed a conditional sentence with strict conditions, emphasizing rehabilitation over incarceration given the unique circumstances.

The accused was charged with possessing a loaded handgun found during a police search of a vehicle parked at a motel.

The accused brought a Charter application alleging violations of his rights under ss. 8, 9, and 10(a) and (b).

The court found that the police arbitrarily detained the accused by parking their cruiser in a manner that psychologically prevented the vehicle from leaving, violating s. 9.

However, the court found no violations of ss. 8 or 10, as the subsequent search was justified under the Cannabis Control Act after officers smelled marijuana, and delays in providing rights to counsel were justified by officer safety.

Applying the Grant test under s. 24(2), the court declined to exclude the handgun, finding the s. 9 breach was technical and the admission of the evidence would not bring the administration of justice into disrepute.

The accused was found guilty.

The defendants were charged with various drug and firearms offences following the execution of a search warrant at a residence.

The Crown's case relied on circumstantial evidence to prove possession.

The court found the first defendant guilty of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking based on drugs found near where she was sleeping, but not guilty regarding drugs found in a common kitchen area.

The second defendant, the principal occupant, was found guilty of possessing MDMA found in her bedroom, but not guilty of possessing the cocaine.

The careless storage of a firearm charge against the second defendant was dismissed due to an evidentiary gap regarding the standard of care.

The accused was charged with sexual interference and sexual assault against his 12-year-old niece.

The complainant alleged that the accused touched her buttocks and digitally penetrated her while she was sleeping in the living room.

The court found the complainant's core narrative to be credible and reliable despite some minor inconsistencies.

The accused was found guilty of both charges.