Dean McKnight, 44, was given a total sentence of three years after earlier being convicted (link is external) on charges related to a 2014 RCMP investigation into rising gang tensions in the western Alberta community.
During the trial, court heard police found a loaded handgun in McKnight’s jacket when they arrested him, then executed a search warrant at his home, recovering a number of other firearms, including a handgun in an unlocked case and a bag full of rifles.
In addition to the weapons charges, McKnight was charged with breaching a 10-year weapons prohibition. McKnight was also charged with drug possession after officers discovered nearly 200 grams of marijuana in his residence.
At trial, McKnight argued he only armed himself and agreed to join the Warlocks out of self-defence — court heard evidence about his house being shot up, and about being harassed by members of the Hells Angels and affiliate gang the Dirty Few.
Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Paul Belzil, who rejected McKnight’s self-defence argument, said had the biker been confronted by a rival gang member, he believes he would have used the weapon.
Belzil said he was “extremely concerned” a gun fight could have broken out on the streets of the small town.
Crown prosecutor Adam Garrett argued for a five-year sentence.
Defence lawyer Lindsay Hoban suggested a two-year conditional sentence. She said her client wasn’t living the motorcycle gang lifestyle before his offences, and he’s since stopped. When asked if he wanted to address the court, McKnight tearfully pleaded with Belzil not to send him to prison so he could continue working and attempt to get custody of his daughter.
“I’m going to lose everything if I go to jail,” he said.
Belzil noted a psychological assessment found McKnight was prone to “histrionics and exaggeration.”
Canada - BN.
During the trial, court heard police found a loaded handgun in McKnight’s jacket when they arrested him, then executed a search warrant at his home, recovering a number of other firearms, including a handgun in an unlocked case and a bag full of rifles.
In addition to the weapons charges, McKnight was charged with breaching a 10-year weapons prohibition. McKnight was also charged with drug possession after officers discovered nearly 200 grams of marijuana in his residence.
At trial, McKnight argued he only armed himself and agreed to join the Warlocks out of self-defence — court heard evidence about his house being shot up, and about being harassed by members of the Hells Angels and affiliate gang the Dirty Few.
Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Paul Belzil, who rejected McKnight’s self-defence argument, said had the biker been confronted by a rival gang member, he believes he would have used the weapon.
Belzil said he was “extremely concerned” a gun fight could have broken out on the streets of the small town.
Crown prosecutor Adam Garrett argued for a five-year sentence.
Defence lawyer Lindsay Hoban suggested a two-year conditional sentence. She said her client wasn’t living the motorcycle gang lifestyle before his offences, and he’s since stopped. When asked if he wanted to address the court, McKnight tearfully pleaded with Belzil not to send him to prison so he could continue working and attempt to get custody of his daughter.
“I’m going to lose everything if I go to jail,” he said.
Belzil noted a psychological assessment found McKnight was prone to “histrionics and exaggeration.”
Canada - BN.
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