SASKATOON – Laird Johnston, 39, has been sentenced to 8.5 years in prison after being convicted of multiple offences, including drug trafficking, possession of firearms, and breaching firearms prohibition orders.
Court heard Johnston’s criminal record of approximately 94 prior convictions played a role in the lengthy sentence. His prior convictions include everything from drug trafficking offences and violent crimes, to driving offences.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Johnston is 39 years old and has compiled quite a criminal record,” said Justice D.W. Howarth in his written decision.
“Most of his adult life seems to be a cycle of incarceration, followed by good intentions when released. Shortly after release, he falls back into use of crystal meth and then a cycle of crime resulting from use of meth, or as a need to support himself financially.”
After a trial, Johnston was convicted on charges of possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, GHB, and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, as well as multiple firearm offences, including possession of a prohibited firearm. He was also convicted for breaching two firearms prohibition orders and driving while prohibited. He was sentenced in November.
The charges were the result of a vehicle stop by two University of Saskatchewan Protective Services (USPS) peace officers on July 23, 2023. Johnston, driving a vehicle registered to a suspended driver, was found to be operating the vehicle without a valid licence and under the influence of drugs.
USPS suspected drug trafficking and called Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) officers to take over the investigation.
During a subsequent search, SPS officers discovered a variety of illegal drugs in Johnston's possession, including 39.7 grams of cocaine, 13.35 grams of fentanyl, 8.06 grams of cocaine,114.1 grams of methamphetamine, 3.99 grams of MDMA, and 43 hydromorphone pills. In addition, he had two drink bottles containing about 478 grams of GHB.
The Crown argued for an 18-year prison sentence, reduced to 14 years after considering the principle of totality, while Johnston’s defence counsel suggested a global sentence of eight years was more fit.
Justice Howarth imposed a global sentence of 8.5 years, factoring in Johnston’s difficult personal history, including his Indigenous background and childhood trauma, which were acknowledged as significant Gladue factors. His life has been marked by addiction, cycles of incarceration, and failed attempts at rehabilitation, court heard.
Despite some insight into his addiction, Justice Howarth said that Johnston remains a high risk to reoffend upon release. He also recognized Johnston's insight into the destructiveness of crystal meth addiction, acknowledging that he has shown remorse but lacks the ability to break the cycle of substance abuse and crime.
Of crystal meth, Johnston told the court, “the other ones you can do a bit and go back to your normal life but this one you get hooked, get ringed in, and you’re done.”
Growing up in foster care in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, Johnston suffered abuse, neglect, and a lack of stable family connections.
“He and his family members indicate that he was sexually and physically abused in his youth, inside and outside of foster care,” said Justice Howarth.
He is a registered band member of Mistawasis First Nation through his mother and his father is registered with Thunderchild First Nation.
“Mr. Johnston has experienced a very difficult life through his youth in foster care and then through the correctional institution,” said Justice Howarth.
After given 710 pre-sentence days credit, for 473 actual days in custody, Johnston has 2,392 days left to serve, or just over 6.5 years.
