Windsor man receives lifetime weapons ban, four years in prison for gun offences

A Windsor man has been convicted and sentenced in relation to multiple gun offences.

A Windsor man convicted of multiple firearm offences linked to a downtown apartment building has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Justice Mikolaj Bazylko said the penalty reflects the seriousness of the offences, even as the accused had no prior criminal record.

“After having taken into account all of the principles of sentencing… I find that a sentence of four years is appropriate for Mr. Gerow,” Bazylko said, calling it “a significant sentence for a first-time offender.”

Daniel Gerow was convicted in March to several gun-related offences including possession of a sawed-off Churchill shotgun, possession of an Axor rifle, possession of the weapons for a dangerous purpose and possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number... All stemming from an incident at a downtown apartment building on Glengarry Avenue in May 2024.

The court imposed concurrent sentences on all counts, meaning they will be served at the same time. Gerow received a four-year sentence on the primary count, alongside shorter concurrent terms on other offences.

After factoring in credit for time already spent in custody — 704 days, enhanced to 1,056 days — the court said Gerow has 404 days remaining to serve.

Bazylko also ordered Gerow to complete a 36-month probation period following his release, with conditions aimed at rehabilitation and public safety.

That includes a prohibition on attending within 50 metres of 333 Glengarry Avenue, also known as ‘Wheelton Manor’ where the offences took place.

“The main reason of the probation order is to keep Mr. Gerow away from the residential building… but is also there to contribute to his rehabilitation,” the judge said.

Gerow is also prohibited from possessing any weapons, including firearms, for life on some counts and for 10 years on others. He must also attend counselling programs, including those focused on substance abuse, life skills, and financial management.

The court ordered the forfeiture of the seized weapons and ammunition, and a DNA sample to be added to the national database.

Bazylko waived the victim fine surcharge, citing the length of time Gerow has already spent — and will continue to spend — in custody, calling it an undue hardship.