A complex and protracted trial was averted on Wednesday as both the prosecution and defense in a firearms case reached a plea agreement leading to the incarceration of a man from Harbour Grace. John Byrne, 52, who was set for a nine-day Supreme Court trial in St. John’s this week, instead pleaded guilty to a subset of the numerous charges initially brought against him.
Initially faced with over 120 charges stemming from a police raid on a residence in Harbour Grace in June 2023, where authorities uncovered an alleged operation involving the production of 3D-printed guns for sale, Byrne admitted guilt to 20 offenses related to the incident. These included multiple counts of illegal firearm possession, along with charges of firearm manufacturing and possession of a loaded prohibited firearm.
The investigation into Byrne commenced in May 2023 after a package addressed to him was seized by the Canada Border Services Agency. Subsequent searches of the property revealed an arsenal comprising 16 long guns, 33 handguns, 27 3D-printed firearms, a 3D printer, prohibited weapons, and ammunition, including 3D-printed magazines. Additionally, SD cards containing firearm manufacturing instructions were confiscated.
Despite being under a firearms ban from a previous court ruling in Lindsay, Ontario, dating back to 1995, Byrne had continued to engage in illegal activities. Crown prosecutor Amber Haighway highlighted Byrne’s history of firearm-related offenses, although his most recent conviction dated over two decades ago.
Byrne’s guilty plea implicated him as the sole owner and user of the firearms, parts, and 3D printer found at the residence. Notably, his co-accused, Crystal Chislett, had all charges against her dropped.
In a separate incident, Byrne admitted guilt to eight charges filed over a year after the initial police raid while he was on bail. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary informed the authorities of suspicious activities at Byrne’s residence, leading to the discovery of additional weapons and ammunition. The subsequent search uncovered more handguns, firearm components, body armor, and ammunition-making materials.
The joint submission of a seven-year prison sentence, with three years for the first offense and four years for the second, was accepted by the court. This agreement was reached after considering the challenges the prosecution would face in proving certain charges, including the classification of some items as firearms under the law. Justice Dean Porter acknowledged the plea deal saved court time and aligned with public expectations.
Byrne’s conviction marked the second in the province’s history related to ‘ghost-gun’ offenses. His sentence, coupled with time served, leaves him with over four years remaining in prison.