From trafficking to possession

Kevin Harper, 21, will likely receive either an absolute discharge or a conditional discharge, after pleading guilty to possessing about 10 grams of marijuana valued at approximately $300, seized on Oct. 30, 2001.

“This is not the crime of the century. It’s a fairly routine offence,” said defence lawyer Susan Cooper.

Cooper requested an absolute discharge for two reasons: Harper’s youth, and because a criminal record would limit his ability to travel outside the country and make it harder for him to get a job, she said.

Cooper’s referred to the findings of a Senate committee report that recommended the decriminalization of marijuana, saying this reflects a change in public opinion on the issue, but Justice Earl Johnson said the Senate recommendations have no influence in his court.

Crown lawyer Michel Bertrand, on the other hand, asked for a six-month conditional sentence.

Justice Johnson is scheduled to deliver his sentence on Nov. 8

Either way, Harper will not have a criminal record if he adheres to the conditions of his probation order. The probation order will be made at sentencing.