Joshua Petten faces 3 year minimum in Yellowknife handgun case

A man who had a loaded handgun when he challenged staff at the Raven Pub in Yellowknife to a fight last March is likely going to be sentenced to just over three years in jail.

Joshua Petten of Langley, B.C. pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a loaded handgun, a crime that now carries a minimum sentence of three years in custody.

His sentencing hearing took place in Yellowknife yesterday.

According to an agreed statement of facts, in the early hours of March 10, 2013, Petten and a 17-year-old friend were asked to leave the Raven Pub at closing time.

Petten, then 21, was under the influence of alcohol, cocaine and steroids.

He challenged bar staff to come outside and fight.

Staff led him out, but locked the door as soon as he and his friend were outside.

According to his lawyer, Petten had arrived by plane in Yellowknife earlier the same day, looking for work.

He obtained the handgun after arriving.

The judge said she generally agrees with the sentence of three years and three months suggested by both the prosecutor and defence.

But Justice Karen Shaner said she wants to take until Friday to work out how much credit Petten should get for the time he's spent in jail awaiting sentencing.