A highly skilled air force officer with a passion for firearms and a history of receiving accolades for his shooting abilities has been handed a sentence of two years less a day of house arrest for unlawfully bringing in eight guns.
Major Kendrick Barling, who admitted guilt in May, had hidden gun components, including some lacking serial numbers, among his personal items when he returned to Canada in August 2023.
Initially facing 29 firearm-related charges from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Barling’s sentencing at Brockville Superior Court revolved around his military career and personal characteristics.
Assistant Crown attorney Will Webber described Barling as a valuable member of society who had acknowledged his wrongdoing, attributing the illegal importation to a lapse in judgment.
Defense lawyer Steven Edgley echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Barling’s outstanding background. The sentence, based on a joint proposal by both legal teams, includes a provision barring Barling from owning weapons except for military duties.
The condition was implemented to safeguard Barling’s employment, as noted by Webber to prevent the 49-year-old from losing his job.
While Justice Brian Abrams acknowledged the seriousness of illegally bringing in restricted firearms, he also considered Barling’s loss of his firearm collection and the impact on his military career as significant penalties.
According to an agreed statement of facts, Barling transported firearms to the U.S. during his NORAD assignment and acquired additional guns during that period. Upon his return to Canada, he declared some firearms but failed to disclose others, leading to their discovery by CBSA.
The firearms, hidden in small boxes among clothing, were swiftly assembled into functional handguns by CBSA officers, illustrating the gravity of the offense.
Although there was no indication of criminal intent or illicit sales, Barling’s background as a decorated marksman in the Canadian Armed Forces was highlighted during the proceedings.
Justice Abrams acknowledged Barling’s extensive service to Canada and urged military authorities to consider his acceptance of responsibility and exemplary record during any future decisions regarding his career.
The Canadian Armed Forces initiated an administrative review of Barling’s conduct, withholding further details pending the completion of the investigation.