A highly skilled air force officer known for his exceptional marksmanship abilities and passion for collecting firearms has received a sentence of two years less a day of house arrest for unlawfully bringing eight guns into Canada.
Major Kendrick Barling, who admitted guilt in May, was found to have concealed gun components, including some lacking serial numbers, among his personal belongings upon his return 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 focused on his military service and personal character.
Both the Assistant Crown attorney, Will Webber, and Barling’s defense lawyer, Steven Edgley, highlighted the officer’s positive contributions to society and his outstanding background during the court proceedings.
The imposed sentence, based on a joint submission by the lawyers, includes a condition prohibiting Barling from owning firearms except for those required for his military duties to safeguard his employment.
Justice Brian Abrams acknowledged the severity of illegally importing restricted firearms but noted that Barling had already faced significant repercussions, including forfeiting his vast firearms collection and jeopardizing his military career.
Barling, who previously excelled as the top rifle marksman in the Canadian Armed Forces and received multiple medals for marksmanship, had a distinguished military career spanning over three decades, including deployments to challenging regions like Afghanistan.
The sentencing judge urged military authorities reviewing Barling’s case to consider his acceptance of responsibility and extensive service to Canada while making any future administrative or disciplinary decisions.
The Royal Canadian Air Force has initiated an administrative review into Barling’s actions, withholding further details pending the investigation.