(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

The man who pistol-whipped and robbed one man and shot another has been sentenced today in Kamloops Supreme Court.

Bradley John Hartling, 31, will spend less than 5 years in jail for the crimes he committed on Nov. 4, 2017.

On March 10, a jury found Hartling guilty of robbery, assault with a weapon, careless use of a weapon, pointing a firearm and uttering threats. The jurors were shown a surveillance video taken in the drug dealer’s apartment where the crimes occurred.

On Nov. 4, 2017, Brett Haynes and his girlfriend went to buy heroin at their dealer’s apartment at 805 Holt St. The surveillance video shown at the trial shows Hartling entering the unit and demanding car keys from Haynes before pistol-whipping him. Hartling then turned the gun on the dealer, Matthew Carstairs, and threatened him to keep quiet.

When Hartling hit Haynes in the face with a gun, it discharged and fired into the neighbouring apartment. Hartling then took a set of keys from Haynes and stole his truck.

The young family in the next apartment awoke to the loud sound, and the father was confused as to what had injured his hand. The family went to the hospital and it was only when they returned home they found the bullet and realized what had happened. They met with police at a nearby gas station and never slept in that apartment again.

“Mr. Hartling not only chose to bring a loaded handgun to rob Mr. Haynes but he also chose to pistol-whip him with it, and the accidental discharge is a consequence of his decision making that day,” said Supreme Court Justice Sheri Ann Donegan. “It is only sheer luck that the tragedy, in this case, is limited to the gunshot wound to (the neighbour's) hand."

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The judge read letters from individuals who have supported Hartling through his rehabilitation during the past three years. She also noted that while in custody he completed his high school diploma with honours and completed 40 programs. The programs, some of which he took twice, focus on things such as substance misuse, healthy relationships, violence prevention, workplace training and parenting. She had previously heard Hartling has been working to improve himself after his first daughter was born in 2018.

“It is clear that Mr. Hartling has been using his time in custody to further his rehabilitation and promote his eventual reintegration into society,” Donegan says.

The Crown prosecutor for the case, Tim Livingston, asked for seven years imprisonment. Hartling's defense lawyer Lisa Scruton asked for four years, with one year of house arrest and probation.

Hartling has served 512 days in custody in relation to this matter, which gives him a credit of 768 days that will count towards his upcoming incarceration.

He was sentenced to 7 years between various charges, some of which will be served concurrently. An additional year was added due to the fact he possessed a firearm while there were three court orders prohibiting him from doing so. In total, he’ll spend another 4 years, 10 months, and 27 days in custody. After being released, he will be prohibited from owning any firearm, crossbow, explosive substance and related items for the rest of his life.

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