A highly skilled air force officer and enthusiastic gun collector, known for his exceptional marksmanship, has received a sentence of two years less a day of house arrest for unlawfully bringing in eight firearms.
Maj. Kendrick Barling, who admitted guilt in May, had concealed gun components, some lacking serial numbers, among his personal belongings upon returning to Canada in August 2023. Initially facing 29 firearm-related charges from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Barling’s military service and character were the focal points during his sentencing at Brockville Superior Court.
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. Defense lawyer Steven Edgley also emphasized Barling’s exceptional background. The sentencing, based on a joint recommendation from both legal parties, mandates that Barling cannot possess firearms except as necessary for his military duties to safeguard his employment.
Justice Brian Abrams indicated that while the suggested sentence was acceptable, he would have preferred a more lenient outcome. He acknowledged the seriousness of illegally importing restricted firearms, citing Barling’s extensive expertise with weapons as an aggravating factor. Despite this, Abrams noted the severe repercussions Barling had already faced, including the forfeiture of his firearms collection and potential harm to his military career.
According to court documents, Barling had transported guns to the U.S. while working for NORAD and acquired additional firearms during his tenure there. Upon his return to Canada, Barling declared nine rifles and shotguns at the border, along with permits for two handguns. However, further inspection revealed hidden firearm components, including lower and upper receivers, triggering mechanisms, and a suppressor, among his personal effects.
The court heard that the seized firearm parts were concealed within Barling’s wardrobe, interspersed among clothing and shoes, and were easily assembled into functional handguns by CBSA officers. Despite the absence of evidence suggesting criminal intentions or the intent to sell the firearms, Barling’s breach of firearms regulations was deemed a serious offense.
Barling’s decorated military history as a top rifle marksman in the Canadian Armed Forces was acknowledged during the sentencing. He had received multiple prestigious accolades for marksmanship, including the Queen’s Medal for Champion Shot four times. Justice Abrams recognized Barling’s extensive contributions to Canada’s military efforts over three decades, particularly in challenging deployments like Afghanistan.
The sentencing decision does not negate Barling’s service sacrifices, emphasized Abrams, urging military authorities to consider his acknowledgment of fault and distinguished service when evaluating his career. The Canadian Armed Forces disclosed that an administrative review of Barling’s conduct is underway, withholding further details pending the investigation.