A decorated air force officer known for his marksmanship skills has been handed a sentence of two years less a day of house arrest for unlawfully bringing in eight firearms. Major Kendrick Barling admitted guilt in May after he was found to have hidden gun components, 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 in Brockville Superior Court focused on his military service and character. Assistant Crown attorney Will Webber highlighted Barling’s positive contributions to society and his acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
The court heard that Barling’s background was commendable, with his defense lawyer, Steven Edgley, emphasizing his client’s exemplary history. The agreed-upon sentence includes a condition barring Barling from possessing firearms, except as required for his military duties to safeguard his job.
Although Justice Brian Abrams acknowledged the severity of illegal firearm importing, he noted Barling’s expertise in weapons as a factor. Abrams also recognized the officer’s loss of an extensive firearms collection and the impact on his military career. Barling had declared some firearms upon his return to Canada but failed to disclose others, which were later discovered by CBSA through X-ray scanning.
Despite the firearms not being intended for criminal purposes or sale, Barling’s actions were deemed unlawful. The court highlighted his previous achievements in marksmanship within the Canadian Armed Forces. Abrams commended Barling’s decades of service and urged military authorities to consider his acceptance of responsibility and dedicated service in any future decisions regarding his career.
The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed an administrative review into Barling’s conduct, refraining from further comments until the review is completed.