By Diane Crocker
Star Staff Writer
CORNER BROOK — A young Corner Brook hockey player convicted of possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking was given an opportunity to make a change in his life in provincial court on Wednesday.
Twenty-one-year-old Blair Joseph Robertson was handed a four-month conditional sentence on the federal charge by Judge Kymil Howe.
The house arrest sentence means the Humber Valley Junior Red Wings defenceman will still be able to play hockey and, more importantly, complete the necessary work hours for his welding training.
Robertson was also convicted of possession of cocaine, another federal charge, and of impaired driving by drug, a provincial violation. Howe fined him $1,000 for each of those offences.
Robertson was also given a 12-month driving prohibition and must serve a 12-month probationary period. The conditions of the driving prohibition extend to all types of motor vehicles, including snowmobiles, dirt bikes and quads.
Robertson was arrested on Oct. 23, 2010 after a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer observed him speeding on O’Connell Drive and making turns without signalling.
When he was pulled over the officer noticed an odour that he suspected was marijuana. He also saw evidence of marijuana on the passenger seat and on the dash of the vehicle.
Before being taken into custody Robertson produced two bags containing a total of 210 grams of marijuana and the officer also found six grams of cocaine, scales, a grinder and $1415.43. Those items, along with, papers, baggies, a pipe and a Blackberry cellphone were order forfeited to the Crown.
Howe’s sentence was in line with what the federal and provincial Crowns and Robertson’s defence lawyer had asked for in a joint submission.
In the submissions it was indicated this was Robertson’s first offence and that he is enrolled in a welding program at the College of the North Atlantic. Robertson is currently working in Saskatchewan, accumulating hours to go towards his journeyman’s certificate.
Before taking time to consider her decision Howe asked Robertson if he had anything to say.
His reply was that he had made a couple of mistakes and was looking forward to putting it all behind him.
The judge told him if he didn’t land in jail for drugs that he could do well for himself.
When she returned to sentence Robertson, Howe told the young man he was at a point in his life where he needed to make a distinct change in direction. If not, she said he would end up in jail, seriously harmed, injured or dead.
Under the conditions of the sentence Robertson must keep the peace and be of good behaviour; report to a supervisor by Friday and thereafter as required by the supervisor; remain in the province unless he has permission from his supervisor to travel outside the province; notify his supervisor of any change in name, address or employment; he’s prohibited from consuming or possessing any intoxicating substance; not take any drugs unless for medical reasons, not possess any weapons or ammunition; attend any counselling recommended by his supervisor; wear an electronic monitoring device; remain inside his residence at all times except for legal or medical appointments, to attend work or school, to travel between Newfoundland and Saskatchewan, to attend practices or hockey games with the Junior Red Wings or for two hours a week to attend to personal business.
Robertson was given 12 months to pay the $2,000 in fines. He’ll also have to pay a victim fine surcharge for each of his convictions and is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm for 10 years.
Howe told him the conditions of his sentence and subsequent probation will have a serious impact on his life and warned him that breaking those conditions could result in real jail time.
