A highly skilled air force officer known for his exceptional marksmanship abilities and passion for firearms has received a sentence of two years less a day of house arrest for unlawfully bringing in eight guns.
Major Kendrick Barling, who admitted his guilt in May, had hidden gun components, some lacking serial numbers, among his personal belongings when he returned to Canada in August 2023.
Initially facing 29 firearm-related charges from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Barling’s sentencing in Brockville Superior Court centered on his military service and personal character.
According to Assistant Crown attorney Will Webber, a report prior to sentencing portrayed Barling as a valuable member of society who had acknowledged his mistake. Webber described the incident as a lapse in judgment by a typically intelligent and analytical individual.
Defense attorney Steven Edgley echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Barling’s impressive background. The imposed sentence, based on a joint recommendation from both legal representatives, includes a condition barring Barling from owning firearms, except as necessary for his military duties, to safeguard his job.
Despite acknowledging the severity of illegally importing restricted firearms, Justice Brian Abrams noted Barling’s significant losses, such as surrendering a substantial firearms collection and jeopardizing his military career.
Barling’s actions included declaring legal firearms when he initially returned to Canada and later being caught with illegal gun parts concealed within his belongings. The CBSA uncovered these components using specialized scanning equipment, which could be quickly assembled into functional firearms.
The court confirmed that there was no indication of criminal intent or illicit sale of the imported firearms. Barling’s past accolades as a top rifle marksman in the Canadian Armed Forces were recognized during the proceedings, underscoring his distinguished service history.
Justice Abrams acknowledged Barling’s extensive service to Canada, including deployments to high-risk areas, and urged military authorities to consider his remorse and exemplary service in any future decisions regarding his career.
The Canadian Armed Forces revealed that an administrative review has been initiated regarding Barling’s conduct, with no further details provided during the ongoing evaluation.