A man from Ontario, who was ordered deported to St. Vincent in 2020, has been sentenced to six years in a Canadian prison for gun-related offenses. Christopher Enrique Gordon was apprehended shortly after his release from custody for a manslaughter conviction. During a police search of his Toronto residence in September 2022, authorities discovered a Glock semi-automatic handgun in his nightstand. The firearm was equipped with a laser sight and contained seven rounds of .40 caliber ammunition.

In addition to the firearm, police found approximately $6,000 in cash, 18.56 grams of fentanyl, 10.13 grams of cocaine, and various drug trafficking paraphernalia in Gordon's bedroom. Justice Benita Wassenaar, in her ruling from Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice, expressed concern over the connection between Gordon's previous manslaughter offense and his current firearm charges, particularly regarding drug trafficking. "It is extremely troubling that both the previous manslaughter offence and the current firearm offences had some connection to drug trafficking," she stated.

Wassenaar noted that the close timing of these offenses heightened her concerns. She emphasized that the combination of drug trafficking and firearms often leads to tragic outcomes. The judge also highlighted the serious impact of fentanyl, which is a significant factor in the case.

The judge identified several aggravating factors that warranted a harsher sentence, particularly those that reflect the severity of Gordon's actions and the potential harm they posed. However, she also acknowledged mitigating factors, including Gordon's guilty plea, his experiences in custody, his disadvantaged background, and his encounters with anti-Black racism.

Gordon pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited firearm and possessing a firearm while under a lifetime gun prohibition ordered in December 2019. The drug charges against him were dropped as part of the plea agreement. The prosecution had sought an eight-year sentence, citing Gordon's manslaughter conviction and ongoing drug involvement as significant aggravating factors. They pointed out that he re-offended within a year of his release from prison.

The prosecution also noted that the firearm was stored in an unlocked nightstand in a home with children present. Gordon's defense attorney argued for a sentence of time served, stating there was no evidence that he had used or threatened anyone with the firearm. She also referenced the circumstances surrounding his manslaughter conviction, which involved the victim committing violence against Gordon.

The court was informed that Gordon would be deported to St. Vincent once his legal matters were resolved. The Canada Border Services Agency has already applied for a travel document for him and will monitor the outcome of his court proceedings. Gordon's lawyer mentioned that if he received a sentence of six months or less, he could be eligible for a pre-removal risk assessment, which could allow him to remain in Canada.

Gordon was convicted of manslaughter in December 2019 for fatally stabbing 54-year-old David Blacquiere in a Toronto parking lot. He was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison, but after accounting for pre-sentence custody, he had 586 days remaining to serve.

At 26 years old, Gordon was born in St. Vincent. His upbringing was marked by instability, as his mother moved to Canada when he was seven, leaving him with relatives. He later joined her in Canada but never obtained citizenship. The court noted that his family history, lack of citizenship, and socio-economic challenges, compounded by experiences of anti-Black racism, contributed to his disadvantaged circumstances.

Justice Wassenaar considered the potential immigration consequences of her sentencing decision but stated that the risk of deportation could not justify a sentence that did not align with the principles of proportionality. Ultimately, she sentenced Gordon to six years in prison, with an additional two years of probation. With credit for time served, he has one year and three months left to serve in his sentence.