Distribution of cannabis, Breach of trust by public officer
R. v. McLaughlin
Sentence and the Crown's position
What the law allows
Robert McLaughlin, a correctional officer, pleaded guilty to breach of trust and possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing after trying to bring 110 grams of cannabis concentrate into the Northeast Nova Scotia Correctional Facility for an inmate. The Crown sought 3 years of imprisonment and the defence a conditional sentence of less than two years. Justice Hatt imposed 3 years of custody on each charge, concurrent, citing his position as a correctional officer, the planning involved and the value of the contraband.
In the judge's words
1In reviewing the circumstances, Mr. McLaughlin’s position as a correctional officer, the level of planning, premeditation, his expected financial gain, the amount of contraband and its anticipated value are aggravating.
The record
- Convicted of
- Distribution of cannabis (CA 9(1))
- Breach of trust by public officer (CC 122)
- Prior convictions
- 0 prior convictions1
- At the time of the offence
- Not stated1
- Defence asked for
- 2 years less a day conditional sentence1
- Appeal
- Not yet checked
- Counsel
- Crown: Glen Scheuer
Defence: Nic Hoehne
Sources
- R. v. McLaughlin, 2026 NSSC 260 Court decision, CanLII, August 5, 2026
[11] The Crown seeks a custodial sentence of imprisonment for 3 years, and the Defence seeks a term of custody of less than two years served as a Conditional Sentence Order pursuant to section 742.1 of the Criminal Code.
[11] The Crown seeks a custodial sentence of imprisonment for 3 years, and the Defence seeks a term of custody of less than two years served as a Conditional Sentence Order pursuant to section 742.1 of the Criminal Code.
[35] Mr. McLaughlin’s offences are not prohibited offences or have mandatory minimums that would preclude him from a CSO disposition.
[1] Robert McLaughlin pled guilty to charges that on or about September 3, 2023 at or near Priestville, Nova Scotia of:
[10] Mr. McLaughlin does not have a criminal record; however, this is common in offences of this nature.
[42] In reviewing the circumstances, Mr. McLaughlin’s position as a correctional officer, the level of planning, premeditation, his expected financial gain, the amount of contraband and its anticipated value are aggravating.
[46] Mr. McLaughlin is sentenced to a federal term of imprisonment, being 3 years custody per charge to be served concurrently.
- R. v. McLaughlin, 2026 NSSC 260 Court decision, Courts of Nova Scotia