R. v. Woods, 2013 ONCA 766

ENDORSEMENT

1The appellant seeks leave to appeal his sentence, after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of cocaine for the purposes of trafficking. On September 28, 2011, the appellant was in possession of $1,130 cash, a small amount of marijuana, Percocet pills, digital scales, cellphones, and some 95.5 grams of cocaine. He was released on an undertaking. This resulted in the first count. While he was awaiting trial, on February 16, 2012, the appellant was found in possession of 288.5 grams of cocaine, 79 ecstasy pills and $540 in cash. This resulted in the second count. He received a sentence of 18 months imprisonment for the first count, and 30 months imprisonment on the second count.

2The sentencing judge recognized and took into account that the appellant’s youth, lack of a previous record, gambling addiction, rehabilitation efforts, remorse, and guilty pleas were mitigating factors. He alluded to the danger that a lengthy term of imprisonment could impair the rehabilitation and reintegration of the appellant as a responsible member of the community.

3However, the sentencing judge considered it an aggravating factor that the appellant committed the second offence while released on an undertaking and awaiting disposition of the first offence.

4We agree. Where an accused re-offends while on release, the sentencing principles of general deterrence and denunciation must be given more significance to discourage and denounce such conduct. Further, we see no basis for the appellant’s submission that the sentences on the two offences should have been concurrent. We are not persuaded that the sentencing judge made any error or that the sentence is unfit.

5Leave to appeal sentence is granted, and the appeal is dismissed.