The man charged in the largest ever seizure of illegal weapons in this province will have to wait until the new year to learn his punishment.
Forty-three-year-old Scott Waterman was initially charged with 141 counts following a search of homes in Torbay, Flatrock and Pouch Cove more than two years ago.
They found more than a hundred different types of guns of all shapes and sizes and firepower, plus 3D printers used to make some of them, as well as silencers, bulletproof vests and brass knuckles.
(RNC displays just some of the weapons seized as part of “massive” firearms trafficking investigation. February 17, 2022)
Waterman pleaded guilty, with his sentencing hearing set for this time last year. But the Crown asked for more time to prepare and pitch a sentence, citing the sheer volume of evidence in the case.
Concerns were also raised about Waterman’s health by his lawyer at the time, leading to a further delay getting to sentencing.
It was expected to proceed this morning, but again went sideways when the Crown said a personal issue delayed preparation of an updated agreed statement of facts and joint submission in the matter.
Guns seized by RNC in 2022. (VOCM News)
Waterman was convicted 10 years ago of trying to import four stun guns and a can of pepper spray into Canada. At the time, he said they were just novelty items from a Florida flea market, but admitted trying to ship them home was “wrong” and “stupid.”
He was given a conditional sentence, with a 10-year ban on possessing any firearms.
Waterman, who remains free on conditions, was in court this morning to set a new date for sentencing.
It’s now scheduled for February in the new year.
