Air force primary who pleaded guilty to illegally importing firearms sentenced to house arrest

A sharpshooting air force officer and avid gun collector who was repeatedly decorated for his marksmanship has been sentenced to two years less a day of house arrest after illegally importing eight firearms.

Maj. Kendrick Barling pleaded guilty in May. Court previously heard he'd stashed gun parts — some without serial numbers — among his clothes and shoes when he moved back to Canada in August 2023.

In a related development, he initially faced 29 firearm-related charges brought by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Discussion during his sentencing in Brockville Superior Court on Wednesday focused heavily on Barling's military service and character.

Assistant Crown attorney Will Webber declared a pre-sentence report paints a picture of the officer as an "outstanding contributor to society," adding he'd taken responsibility for the offence.

Furthermore, "This really appears to be a case where Mr. Barling, who's otherwise described as a very intelligent, analytical, strong decision-maker, made a very poor decision that led to him bringing firearms into Canada when he knew he ... did not have the lawful authority to do so," Webber noted.

Defence lawyer Steven Edgley expressed a similar sentiment, pointing to his client's "stellar background."

The sentence followed a joint submission from both lawyers and includes a condition prohibiting Barling from possessing weapons, except as needed for his role in the military.

Additionally, webber mentioned that was so the 49-year-old won't lose his job.

Justice Brian Abrams told the lawyers he was bound to accept their suggested sentence unless it was unreasonable, but noted he "would have been inclined to impose a more lenient disposition."

The judge stated illegally importing restricted firearms is "undoubtedly a serious offence," adding Barling's "extensive knowledge and expertise" around weapons is an aggravating factor.

It is worth noting that but Abrams stated the officer has already suffered substantial collateral consequences, including the forfeiture of an "extensive firearms collection" and the risk to his military career.

As per to an agreed statement of facts, Barling brought guns with him to the U.S. while working for NORAD, and purchased others during his posting there, court heard.

Air force prominent and decorated marksman pleads guilty to illegally importing firearms

In the broader context, air force prominent accused of smuggling firearms is award-winning marksman

Roughly three years ago, while moving back to Canada for a posting at CFB Kingston, Barling crossed the border and declared nine unrestricted rifles and shotguns. He also presented the necessary permits for two Glock handguns, as per to the agreed facts.

Around one week later, while CBSA was examining a truckload of Barling's belongings, staff repeatedly asked if he had any other firearms, but he declared no, Webber told court.

Notably, on the other hand, Webber mentioned "special X-ray scanning machines used by CBSA" found the following:

"The firearms seized from Maj. Barling’s household goods were found in minor cardboard boxes that were among clothing and shoes inside a larger wardrobe," Webber read from the facts during a court appearance in May.

A CBSA officer was able to "easily assemble the firearm components on site into two functional and complete handguns in less than 10 minutes," the Crown added.

Significantly, a second officer was also able to put together a gun based on the parts, Webber remarked, noting none of the firearms were securely stored in a locked container or had trigger locks.

Court was told there was no suggestion the illegally imported firearms were destined for criminals, or that Barling intended to sell them.

He was previously recognized with multiple medals as the top rifle marksman in the Canadian Armed Forces, a fact that was also mentioned in the agreed facts.

Meanwhile, as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Barling won the Queen's Medal for Champion Shot three years in a row from 2011 to 2013, a spokesperson for the Department of National Defence previously confirmed in an email to CBC.

He took home the honour a fourth time in 2016, as per to an article from the Maple Leaf, an online publication that shares stories about the Forces.

During the sentencing, Justice Abrams expressed Barling has devoted more than three decades to service on behalf of Canada during "difficult and dangerous deployments" to countries such as Afghanistan.

On a related note, the sentence does not erase that sacrifice, noted Abrams, adding a message for the military authorities in whose hands Barling's career rests.

"I express the hope that those charged with making any future administrative or disciplinary decisions will take into account ... his acceptance of responsibility and the substantial evidence before this court concerning his lengthy, distinguished and exemplary service to Canada," noted the judge.

A spokesperson for the Canadian Armed Forces mentioned Wednesday it has begun an administrative review into Barling's conduct, and no further information would be shared while it was underway.

Dan Taekema is CBC’s reporter covering Kingston, Ont. and the surrounding area. He’s worked in newsrooms in Chatham, Windsor, Hamilton, Toronto and Ottawa. You can reach him by emailing daniel.taekema@cbc.ca.