THUNDER BAY – A local news blogger has pleaded guilty to a pair of gun-related charges.
James Murray Hinter pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count each of unauthorized possession of a firearm and careless use or storage of a firearm.
The charges stem from a seizure of 23 guns, eight of them handguns, and a significant amount of ammunition found in a vacated apartment.
Thunder Bay Police Service officers were called to a North Edward Street apartment building on Sept. 26, 2012 when the landlord found a number of firearms.
Hinter was arrested in April 2014.
Hinter, who was previously president of the National Firearms Association, told the court he was previously a gun collector and competitive shooter. He described the incident as being “out of character” and “foolish and stupid.”
The Crown is seeking a one-year ban on possessing firearms, as well as the forfeiture of the guns originally seized by police and a fine to be determined by Justice Frank Valente.
Court proceedings have been adjourned to give Hinter an opportunity to sell or transfer some of the firearms to a legal owner.
Sentencing is to continue on Feb. 5.
