A highly skilled air force officer and enthusiastic gun collector who received numerous accolades for his shooting abilities has been handed a sentence of two years less a day of house arrest for unlawfully bringing in eight firearms.
Major Kendrick Barling, who admitted his guilt in May, was found to have hidden gun components, including some lacking serial numbers, within his clothing and shoes 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 centered on his military service and character.
During the court proceedings, Assistant Crown attorney Will Webber highlighted a pre-sentence report portraying Barling as a valuable member of society who acknowledged his wrongdoing. Webber emphasized that Barling, described as intelligent and decisive, made a regrettable choice in bringing firearms into Canada without proper authorization.
Defense lawyer Steven Edgley echoed similar sentiments, underscoring his client’s exceptional background. The imposed sentence, based on a joint submission from both legal parties, includes a provision prohibiting Barling from owning firearms except for military duties to safeguard his employment.
Justice Brian Abrams, while noting the seriousness of illegally importing restricted firearms, mentioned Barling’s extensive knowledge of weapons as an aggravating factor. Despite this, Abrams acknowledged the adverse repercussions Barling had already faced, such as losing his firearms collection and jeopardizing his military career.
Court documents revealed that Barling had transported guns from the U.S. during his tenure with NORAD and purchased additional firearms during his assignment there. The firearms seized from Barling’s possessions in Canada were discovered concealed among clothing and shoes, with officers able to assemble functional handguns from the components quickly.
Notably, there was no indication that the unlawfully imported firearms were intended for criminal activities or for sale. Barling’s remarkable marksmanship achievements in the Canadian Armed Forces, including winning the Queen’s Medal for Champion Shot multiple times, were also acknowledged in the court records.
Justice Abrams commended Barling’s lengthy and commendable service to Canada, emphasizing the need for any future administrative or disciplinary decisions regarding his military career to consider his acknowledgment of responsibility and his esteemed service record.
The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed that an administrative review into Barling’s conduct has commenced, with details withheld pending the completion of the investigation.
