An Indian-origin lawyer has been sentenced to four years in prison for smuggling drugs into a remand centre while meeting with an inmate.
Justin Sidhu from Edmonton was convicted in June this year of bringing six grams of methamphetamine, hidden inside birthday and Christmas cards, into the remand centre in 2013.
The cards were found inside an envelope that Sidhu passed to the inmate in the remand centre’s interview room. The lawyer had told guards the envelope contained privileged documents, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported.
Justice John Little said the four-year sentence is appropriate as Sidhu “abused a position of trust,” adding he brought the practice of law into disrepute.
“We cannot maintain a peaceful society if those who are incarcerated get access to dangerous drugs,” said Little.
Sidhu’s lawyer Peter Royal said his client intends to appeal. Until the appeal is heard, Little said Sidhu can remain out of custody.
During his trial, Royal argued there was no evidence his client knew the drugs were inside the cards.
Sidhu is currently listed as a non-practising lawyer with the Law Society of Alberta.
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