Sentencing delayed for Freedom Convoy organizer Pat King

On By Littum

Freedom Convoy organizer Pat King was expected to be sentenced Thursday for his role in the disruptive protest that brought downtown Ottawa to a standstill for more than three weeks in early 2022, but it has been delayed.

Judge Charles Hackland informed the court Thursday morning that he will only hear sentencing today. He has not said when King will be sentenced.

Crown prosecutor Moiz Karimjee is seeking a significant sentence for King, which in November was convicted in Ontario Superior Court of five criminal charges: two counts of disobeying a court order and one count of mischief, advising to commit mischief and advising to obstruct a public or peace officer.

A conviction for vandalism carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Pat King, left, one of the organizers of the protest, poses for photos in front of Parliament Hill as truck drivers and their supporters continue to protest vaccine mandates against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, February 16 2022. Pat King, left, one of the organizers of the protest, poses for photos in front of Parliament Hill as truck drivers and their supporters continue to protest vaccine mandates against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, February 16 2022.

Pat King, left, one of the organizers of the protest, poses for photos in front of Parliament Hill as truck drivers and their supporters continue to protest vaccine mandates against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, February 16 2022.

King, left, poses for a selfie with a Freedom Convoy participant in front of Parliament Hill on February 16, 2022. King was convicted in November for his role in the protest. (Patrick Doyle/Reuters)

Hackland determined that the king “personally led a large convoy” and used his social media presence to plan and encourage disruptive activities.

The court found that King’s own videos on social media documented his leadership and broadcast his intentions both before and during the protest.

Evidence presented at trial showed King directed truck drivers to ignore a court order banning horns in the center. He also organized a “slow roll” near Ottawa International Airport and helped block Wellington Street near Parliament Hill.

King was acquitted of three counts of intimidation, and Hackland noted in his ruling that he had not threatened violence or property damage.

King’s lawyer Natasha Calvinho has previously expressed disappointment at the decision, but pointed to his acquittal for the threats as a sign that King’s intentions were not violent.

Pat King, centre, is surrounded by supporters as he leaves the Ottawa Courthouse on November 22, 2024.Pat King, centre, is surrounded by supporters as he leaves the Ottawa Courthouse on November 22, 2024.

Pat King, centre, is surrounded by supporters as he leaves the Ottawa Courthouse on November 22, 2024.

King is surrounded by supporters as he leaves the Ottawa Courthouse on November 22, 2024. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

King’s arrest in February 2022, which was livestreamed on social media, made national headlines. After his arrest, King faced a lengthy bail process during which he was remanded in custody over concerns that he might re-offend.

In the end he was released in July 2022 under strict conditions, including restrictions on his use of social media.

In August 2023, King was briefly imprisoned again for allegedly breaching his bail conditions, but was later released under tighter restrictions.

Thursday marks 1,064 days since King’s arrest.