'I fear destruction of lives': London man sentenced to 9 years in massive gun and drug bust
William Boyd, 47, is going to spend the next seven years and 133 days in a penitentiary.
The London, Ont. man involved in two of the city’s largest gun and drug busts was given a sentence of nine years with credit for time served by Justice Michael McArthur in a London courtroom Tuesday.
"This should go as a substantial reminder to other people in the community that tariffs are going up, and up, and up,” McArthur told the court.
Boyd was a partner in one of the city’s largest crystal methamphetamine seizures in 2020 with police turning up more than $462,000 worth of drugs, as well as a shotgun, 1,500 rounds of ammunition.
Earlier this year, Boyd was one of three Londoners charged after police seized more than $257,000 in drugs as well as firearms and ammunition after a search warrant at a Waterloo Street residence.
They seized a shotgun, more than 600 rounds of various ammunition as well as methamphetamine and fentanyl.
$257,000 in drugs and firearms seized in a Waterloo St. residence in London Ont. on March 31, 2022. (Source: London Police) Boyd was on bail from the first charge, at the time of the second charges.
In a joint submission, Boyd was credited for showing significant remorse as well as entering an early plea.
Before reading his sentence Justice McArthur told Boyd that drug offences in this particular case are pitting upper digits and lower double digits so “it isn’t going to be a great surprise”.
“Those substances including methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and hydromorphone on the higher end of drug scale have done irreparable damage to this community and members in it,” says McArthur.
Boyd was also given a DNA order, and is not to possess weapons under the criminal code for a lifetime.
McArthur then addressed Boyd one last time hoping he will learn his lesson with this sentence.
“It is very clear to me when I look at your record and its escalation there is only one last stop for you,” he told the court. “I fear destruction of lives”.
After sentencing, a tearful Boyd gave a long hug and kiss to a woman in the courtroom, before being taken back into custody.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.