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Penticton bomber sentencing delayed

Blair Robert Balch pleaded guilty earlier in June
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Blair Balch, 49, is wanted by RCMP for allegedly possessing an explosive device, related to the explosions that rocked Penticton earlier in 2021. (RCMP)

The Penticton man who pleaded guilty to setting off explosives in 2021 will have to wait a little longer to hear his sentence.

Blair Robert Balch was set to hear the decision from the judge on June 27, but the session was adjourned until July in order to provide the judge with more information.

Balch had pleaded guilty to creating three improvised explosive devices, two of which he had set off and one that was a dud which he threw in Ellis Creek.

Three other separate explosives were found at that time but were not claimed by Balch.

READ MORE: Penticton bomber facing possible 13 months jail sentence

The timing of the explosions, in the early hours of the morning, were chosen by Balch as a way of mitigating the hazards of his actions, according to defence.

“I had no intent to hurt anybody, that’s why I did it at the time. I see around and make sure nobody would get hurt,” Balch told the court at the time. “I’m not a terrorist.”

Crown prosecution is seeking 13 months of jail time for Balch, based in part on his previous extensive criminal record of 87 convictions.

Defence is seeking a 12-month conditional sentence.

Following the jail sentence, Crown has also requested that Balch remain under 24-hour house arrest for six months before another six months of strict curfew.

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Brennan Phillips

About the Author: Brennan Phillips

Brennan was raised in the Okanagan and is thankful every day that he gets to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
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