ATHABASCA – Getting caught with an unsecured firearm in a vehicle and trying to run from police netted a 75-day jail sentence.
In Athabasca Provincial Court Feb. 13, Matthew Steven Morris, 30, pleaded guilty to unauthorized possession of a firearm and flight from police, while several other charges were withdrawn.
Judge Gordon Putnam opted to split the difference between the sentencing recommendations of the Crown and defence, which were seeking global sentences of 90 and 50 days in custody respectively. He sentenced Morris to 30 days in custody on the first charge and 45 days on the second.
Because Morris had already spent a total of 65 days in custody, he was credited for 50 of those days on an enhanced basis, effectively making this a time served situation.
Putnam also imposed a three-year firearms prohibition and a one-year driving prohibition.
Crown prosecutor Nicole Parker said that on May 31, 2021, Morris was a passenger in a vehicle where there was a loaded and unsecured firearm within reach of the driver. Neither Morris nor anyone else in the vehicle had a valid licence for the weapon.
Then, on June 10, 2022, Morris was caught driving a stolen vehicle at an unspecified location. When an RCMP constable attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Morris sped away.
He was caught the following day and admitted to the arresting officer that he had fled from the police the day before.
Parker said Morris had a criminal record, though it was unrelated to these charges. She also acknowledged that Morris was pleading guilty early and had admitted to fleeing from police when arrested.
However, the Crown still felt a period of incarceration was appropriate “given the gravity of the offences,” Parker said.
Defence lawyer Christopher Chelala noted his client only had a Grade 9 education, having dropped out of school to provide for his family. Prior to his incarceration, he had been working as a carpenter doing odd construction jobs.
Chelala said Morris grew up in a household where he experienced a lot of physical abuse. He has also been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as a result of his mother drinking while pregnant.
Despite these challenges, Morris has had long periods of sobriety and was demonstrating remorse through his guilty plea. For that reason, Chelala recommended the judge impose a sentence of 20 days and 30 days on both charges.
When given the opportunity to speak, Morris said he was sorry for everything that happened and “it’s not going to happen again.”
After opting to impose a sentence of 75 days with credit for 50 days in total, judge Putnam wished Morris the best of luck going forward.
