Police stop turns up BB gun, bayonet and baton

A recent police stop in Gravenhurst turned up everything from scales and drugs to a plethora of weapons and empty beer cans.

On Tuesday, Jeffery Nichol, 37, pleaded guilty to breaching the terms of his release, possession of fentanyl, possession of a prohibited weapon and impaired driving.

Court heard that Nichol was released from custody in Windsor on April 25, 2021 and ordered to keep the peace as a term of his release. However, on June 10, 2021 the Bracebridge OPP received a call for a disturbance in Gravenhurst.

The complainant described Nichol’s truck, which the police subsequently tracked down in a nearby parking lot. The police picked up a strong scent of alcohol on his breath and inside the car they found empty beer cans along with 0.2 g of fentanyl, scales, a bayonet, an illegal batton, steak knife and a BB gun – handgun.

He was arrested and subsequently blew over the legal limit for impaired driving as well.

The Crown attorney argued for 120 days jail, saying the weapons were particularly concerning and could be used to injure or intimidate. The Crown also pointed out that Nichol has a criminal record that includes a previous impaired charge.

The defense said the 84 days served pre-trial was sufficient. The defense said Nichol was hanging around with the wrong crowd and he’s learned his lesson.

Nicol agreed, saying, “if I’m released today I’m on the straight path.”

In the end, Justice Robert Gattrell sentenced Nichol to a total of 90 days jail, along with 18 months probation, a five-year weapons ban and a one-year driving ban.