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Sentencing put over for Oliver arsonist’s firearm case

Steven Marlo Gallagher was due to be sentenced for one of two firearms cases against him
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Steven Marlo Gallagher, 31, seen here in a file RCMP image, was found guilty on Friday of setting fire to a pharmacy in Oliver in 2021. (RCMP)

The second of three cases against Steven Gallagher had its sentencing delayed on Nov. 6.

Gallagher was due to be sentenced in one of two firearms cases against him, but other matters in court ran over schedule and forced a delay.

The case that was set for sentencing involved charges of possession of a firearm while banned, careless use or storage of a firearm, occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is presented and possessing a prohibited or restricted firearm from an incident in April of 2021.

READ MORE: Four people arrested near Penticton after reports of gunshots from moving vehicle

Family and other members of the Osoyoos Indian Band had travelled to Penticton and were in the gallery of the courtroom when concerns were raised about whether it was possible for the sentencing to happen.

The judge noted that based on the time estimate from Crown and defence, even if the sentencing was to begin immediately and ignoring any other scheduled matters, it was unlikely to finish before the end of the court day.

As a result, the judge sent the case to be rescheduled.

Gallagher was recently sentenced to spend two further years in jail for starting a fire that caused nearly $500,000 in damages to a pharmacy and neighbouring businesses in Oliver in 2021.

That case also involved shots being fired at a police car parked at the Oliver RCMP detachment.

READ MORE: ‘Vengeance’ crime gets Oliver arsonist 2 more years in jail

The other firearms case Gallagher faces, with charges of aggravated assault, pointing a firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm, stems from an incident on Canada Day in Osoyoos in 2022. Gallagher is still awaiting trial on that case.

A date for when Gallagher will return to court for the sentencing has not yet been set.



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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