Lawyers to argue sentences for 2 men convicted in Coutts border blockade [Video]

Lawyers were set to argue Thursday what a fit sentence should be for two protesters convicted for their roles in the 2022 border blockade near Coutts, Alta.

Earlier this month, a jury found Anthony Olienick and Chris Carbert not guilty of the most serious charge they faced — conspiracy to murder police officers.

But the two men were found guilty of mischief and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Olienick was also convicted of possessing a pipe bomb.

Justice David Labrenz is expected to hand down the sentences Friday.

He has said jurors weren’t satisfied there was an actual conspiracy to murder police. But after reviewing the facts of the case, the judge said the men were ready to engage in a shootout with officers.

Labrenz said because the accused were found guilty of having weapons for a dangerous purpose, jurors must have believed the men were willing to …