A highly skilled air force officer known for his exceptional shooting 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 had been honored for his marksmanship skills, admitted his guilt in May. Reports revealed that he had concealed gun components, some lacking serial numbers, within his clothing and shoes when he returned 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 background and personal traits. Assistant Crown attorney Will Webber described Barling as a valuable member of society who acknowledged his mistake.
The defense, represented by lawyer Steven Edgley, highlighted Barling’s outstanding track record. The imposed sentence, based on a joint proposal from both legal teams, includes a condition preventing Barling from possessing firearms except in his military duties to safeguard his job.
Although Justice Brian Abrams acknowledged the seriousness of illegally bringing in restricted firearms and Barling’s expertise with weapons, he noted the officer had already faced significant consequences, including losing his extensive firearms collection and jeopardizing his military career.
According to court records, Barling had transported guns to the U.S. during his NORAD assignment and acquired additional firearms there. Upon returning to Canada for duty at CFB Kingston, he declared several firearms but failed to disclose others during a CBSA inspection of his belongings.
CBSA officers discovered firearm components hidden among his personal items, including lower receivers, upper receivers, and a forced reset trigger. Despite the assembly of functional handguns on-site, there was no indication that the weapons were intended for criminal purposes or for sale.
Barling’s history of receiving accolades for marksmanship, such as the Queen’s Medal for Champion Shot multiple times, was noted during the proceedings. Justice Abrams recognized Barling’s long and commendable service to Canada, urging military authorities to consider his acceptance of responsibility and distinguished career in any future decisions.
The Canadian Armed Forces disclosed that they had initiated an administrative review of Barling’s actions but withheld further details pending the investigation.