Possession of a Schedule I or II substance for the purpose of trafficking
R. v. Knight
Sentence and the Crown's position
A conditional sentence is served in the community, usually under house arrest. It counts as no custody here.
What the law allows
Clayton Gregory Knight pleaded guilty to possessing about 817 grams of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking in Kelowna in 2021. The Crown sought two years and six months' imprisonment and the defence a conditional sentence of two years less a day. Justice Sukstorf imposed a 21-month conditional sentence followed by two years' probation, citing his rehabilitation, stable home life and the five-year delay since the offence.
In the judge's words
1Upon review of the authorities and after assessing the aggravating and mitigating factors present in Mr. Knight's case, I am satisfied that a CSO with strict conditions can adequately achieve the primary sentencing objectives of denunciation and deterrence and will not threaten the safety of the community. Indeed, a CSO will promote rehabilitation and the long-term protection of the public.
The record
Sources
- R. v. Knight, 2026 BCSC 248 Court decision, CanLII, February 10, 2026
[5] The Crown submits that Mr. Knight was involved in mid-level trafficking of methamphetamine and seeks a sentence of two years and six months' imprisonment.
[6] The defence seeks a CSO of two years less a day, with the first 12 months to be served under house arrest and the remainder under curfew.
[2] On January 7, 2025, Mr. Clayton Gregory Knight entered a guilty plea to Count 2 on the indictment for possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to s. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C. 1996, c. 19 [CDSA].
[56] In this case, there are significant aggravating factors: methamphetamine is a Schedule I substance, Mr. Knight has a prior conviction for trafficking in a controlled substance, and the trafficking was mid-level, facilitating further distribution.
[88] Upon review of the authorities and after assessing the aggravating and mitigating factors present in Mr. Knight's case, I am satisfied that a CSO with strict conditions can adequately achieve the primary sentencing objectives of denunciation and deterrence and will not threaten the safety of the community. Indeed, a CSO will promote rehabilitation and the long-term protection of the public.
[91] For the offence of possession of methamphetamine, for the purpose of trafficking, set out in count 2 of the indictment, I sentence you to 21 months' imprisonment, to be served in the community under a CSO, and two years' probation.
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, s. 5 Record, Justice Laws Website
- R. v. Knight, 2026 BCSC 248 Court decision, Courts of British Columbia