HAY RIVER - A Hay River man has been sentenced to four months house arrest followed by a year's probation for possession of marijuana and two prohibited weapons.

Alcide Morris Gagnon, 35, heard the sentence in Hay River Territorial Court on Nov. 24.

Judge Garth Malakoe gave him three months house arrest for possession of 77 grams of marijuana and also for

possession of brass knuckles and a stun gun, both considered as prohibited weapons.

Gagnon had originally been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, but pleaded guilty to the lesser, included offence of possession of marijuana, along with pleading guilty to having the prohibited weapons.

The charges were laid after the RCMP raided his Hay River home on Jan. 21 of this year.

"I realize the error of my ways," Gagnon said in apologizing to the court prior to sentencing, noting he has sought to lead a better life since his first child was born earlier this year.

As for the prohibited weapons, Gagnon said he picked them up at a garage sale in the city years ago and they were kept as curiosities.

"I'm not a violent person," he said, adding he'd never put the weapons in his pockets and go looking for trouble.

Referring to a pre-sentence report, Malakoe noted Gagnon had a "somewhat cavalier attitude" towards drugs, but the judge added he is satisfied that has been tempered by the birth of Gagnon's child and the criminal charges. The judge also accepted the explanation the prohibited weapons were simply ornamental and were not intended to be used.

"I'm hoping Mr. Gagnon's words are genuine," the judge said.

Under house arrest - also known as a conditional sentence - Gagnon must stay in his home at all times except to go to work, for medical emergencies or counselling sessions.

Gagnon also has four hours a week to go get personal items such as groceries.

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