BONNYVILLE - Local RCMP were following up on a tip related to a stolen boat when they came across a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, a semi-automatic carbine, and an altered gun cartridge.
Police were conducting a search warrant on May 28, 2019 at an MD of Bonnyville property when they came across a stolen boat and trailer, firearms, and identification belonging to Christopher Robinson.
Not long after completing their search, Robinson turned himself into police and provided a statement where he admitted the guns found in the residence were his.
The 31-year-old Bonnyville resident pleaded guilty to careless use/storage of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon.
"These are serious offences," described Crown prosecutor Caeleigh Shier during Robinson's Feb. 18 appearance at the Bonnyville courthouse.
Robinson was sentenced to an 18-month conditional sentence order with conditions to keep the peace, be of good behaviour, have no contact with the two people who provided the tips to RCMP, and have no contact with anyone known or believed to be involved with the Dirty Few or Hells Angels motorcycle clubs. He will also provide a sample of his DNA for the National Databank and serve a 10-year firearms prohibition.
Should he follow his conditions for the entirety of the conditional sentence order, Robinson will not hold a criminal record in relation to these charges.
Shier noted it was Robinson's lack of criminal record, his compliance with police, and turning himself into RCMP that contributed to the joint recommendation.
According to defence counsel, Stacey Purser, Robinson isn't originally from the area.
After breaking his back twice, once in 2012 and again in 2017, Robinson moved to Edmonton to become a train conductor. He didn't follow through after his brother was murdered in 2018, and eventually moved to Bonnyville where he began working full-time.
At the time of the offence, Robinson's firearms' license was legal, noted Purser. However, the magazine, which had been altered by removing a pin, was considered prohibited due to the modification.
Honourable Judge Kathleen Williams stressed that taking the pin out of the cartridge was a deliberate act and is taken seriously.
After weighing the facts, Williams agreed with the joint submission for an 18-month conditional sentence order. She considered the accused's lack of record, his willingness to provide a statement to RCMP, and acceptance of responsibility as mitigating factors.
Robinson is to abide by the conditions of his order, provide a sample of his DNA, and follow a 10-year firearms prohibition as a result of the offence.
Meagan MacEachern, Bonnyville Nouvelle
