A Prince George man was sentenced to 14 months in jail on Wednesday for two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking.
On Jan. 21, 2016, Allan Troy Baker, 33, drove his vehicle to meet with co-accused, Justin Pawluck, who was under police surveillance at the time.
A hand-to-hand exchange took place and both Baker and Pawluck were arrested.
In Baker's possession was 30.45 grams of crack cocaine and 5.32 grams of methamphetamine.
Later, police also found 3.7 grams of heroin in his possession.
Baker was released from jail on June 24, 2016 and while on bail he was arrested again on June 8, 2017 for simple possession of a controlled substance, which was heroin and fentanyl.
Baker was arrested and has been serving time in jail since the incident.
Although these were Baker's only drug offences, Crown prosecutor Jim Whiting recommended a 16-month jail sentence to be served concurrently.
"Even without drug convictions, Crown would like to outline an extensive and serious criminal history," Whiting said.
The criminal record includes approximately 25 charges beginning in 2001 with offences covering numerous breaches, firearms charges, assault causing bodily harm and flight from a police officer.
A Gladue component did come into play, which outlined Baker's aboriginal background and a troubled past filled with violence and failed relationships.
Defence counsel Jason LeBlond suggested a sentence of time served with a period of probation.
"Rehabilitation should be considered. There is a significant aspect that has driven the criminal record but now, he is mature and a candidate willing to deal with his own issues and he is willing to do so," LeBlond said.
Various support services were recommended including brain injury and parent counselling and various options with Carrier Sekani Services.
"He is open to these supports as well as those for substance abuse misuse," LeBlond said.
Baker has been prescribed suboxone, which he continues to take daily to curb his addictions.
Pawluck was also sentenced to 14 months in jail.
Judge Elizabeth Bayliff sentenced Baker to the same sentence for both of the initial drug offences.
"I could not impose more than Pawluck as Crown suggested," Bayliff said. "I could not in good conscience."
Bayliff was against sentencing Baker to probation based on a weak history of following court orders in the past and to avoid generating terms that he won't keep.
"I conclude a denunciation of deterrents here. This is the emphasis here right now rather than rehabilitation. But he has matured and is about to become a new father and I believe that he does want to seek help so that he can be physically and emotionally healthy. I hope he does take advantage of the programs in the community," Bayliff said.
"I hope he pursues these things to be a good father. A bad record in the past doesn't mean you can't have a good record in the future."
Baker has four months and 27 days left in jail, considering time already served for all three offences.
He is also prohibited from using firearms for a period of 10 years.
