The Surrey kid, S.G., who was found with a loaded weapon at school, is currently completing a community service term of six months. Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm without authority was a crime that S.G., who was 14 years old at the time, pled guilty to.
A Surrey teenager, identified as S.G., who brought a loaded handgun to school, is now serving a six-month custodial sentence in the community. S.G., 14 at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty to possessing a loaded restricted firearm without authorization.
S.G. was at school on November 18, 2022, when he brought the Smith & Wesson handgun belonging to his father. Demonstrating it to a companion while carrying it in his backpack and publishing videos and photographs of it to social media. The principal of the school was subsequently provided with a video purportedly depicting S.G. discharging the weapon by the acquaintance.
The school officials learned of the firearm around 2 p.m., and S.G. was removed from class. The weapon was found in his backpack's inside pocket. S.G. admitted bringing the gun to school, stating he thought it would be cool to show people.
Satinder Sidhu, the judge, gave S.G. a six-month community custody sentence, then six months of probation. Despite S.G.'s early guilty plea, lack of a criminal record, and improved academic performance in a different school, the judge considered the deliberate nature of the act and the significant risk it posed. Sidhu deemed the case exceptional, meeting the criteria for a custodial sentence.
The circumstances were deemed disturbing, causing fear among students, parents, and the community. S.G. is prohibited from possessing any weapon under the Criminal Code, except for a kirpan (a Sikh religious symbol) and when practicing gatka (a martial art) under adult supervision.
The defense sought an absolute or conditional discharge, while the Crown recommended six months in custody. Sidhu agreed with the Crown's position, emphasizing the need for a custodial sentence to reflect societal values.