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`Politically naive' student could be free in 22 months 3 · Wednesday, January 20, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Continued from page 1 Gaya, who has been behind bars since his arrest in June 2006, was given credit for the seven-and-a-half years of his time spent in pre-trial custody, meaning he will now serve only an additional four-and-a-half years. Durno also ruled it will be up to the parole board as to when Gaya is eligible for parole, meaning he could get his first shot at full parole after serving one third of his sentence, in about 22 months. Gaya, who pleaded guilty to intending to cause an explosion that would likely cause serious bodily harm, was ordered to submit a DNA sample and was given a lifetime weapons prohibition. Wearing a suit, the 22-year-old Oakville man listened attentively, occasionally dropping his head low, as the judge read his decision. The body of the court was filled with family, friends and supporters of the young man, who was 18 at the time of the offence. The judge ruled Gaya was wilfully blind that his involvement would result in death or serious harm. The Crown had been seeking a sentence of up to 18 years, arguing that Gaya was a willing participant and should have known a plot involving three tonnes of explosives would have caused serious harm or death. If not, he was wilfully blind, prosecutors argued. Meanwhile, the defence argued Gaya was duped and didn't know the plan involved detonating a series of explosives targeting the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Front Street offices of Canada's spy agency and a military base off Hwy 401. The defence argued Gaya didn't know the plot's targets. Court heard he initially thought a police station was the target and was later told it was a military base, but did not think anyone would be hurt in the blast. Last month, at the close of his sentencing hearing, Gaya apologized in court for his "shameful crime," saying he was "extremely grateful" the scheme "did not progress any further." "Some people believe that I must have been driven by a dark ideology of hatred, nihilism and destruction," said Gaya, while asking for leniency and requesting people not brand him a "terrorist." He said he was "politically naive" and believed the group's actions would result in Canada withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. Gaya is among 18 people charged in 2006. He was arrested while unloading a delivery truck filled with three tonnes of bags marked ammonium nitrate fertilizer. The plot involved using three times more ammonium nitrate than was used in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people. Unloading the bomb-making material with Gaya was Saad Khalid, the first adult who was part of this conspiracy to plead guilty. In September, Khalid was sentenced to 14 years. But with credit given for pre-trial custody he was ordered to serve an additional seven years. The Crown is appealing that decision. Also in court Monday was the mastermind of the explosives plot, Zakaria Amara, who was sentenced to life in prison. The sentence is the stiffest ever given under the AntiTerrorism Act, which was introduced after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S. The 24year-old Mississauga man will be eligible for parole in six years and three months. If he is ever granted parole, he will be subject to a lifetime of monitoring. HEARING AID SPECIAL (Clients portion) *Some Conditions Apply * $ From 295 Let our designers and product selection take you to another place. A STORY OF STYLE We can transform any space! Elegance, Stylish, Sophisticated, or Sleek We specialize in importing and distributing unique Ceramics, Porcelain, Travertine, Marble, Glass, Custom Medallions and mosiacs from Around the World. Up to 3 Year Service Warranty Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating 60 DAY GUARANTEE: If after 60 days we have not provided you with the best hearing possible, we will give you your money back... We are an authorized clinic for DVA, WSIB, and Green Shield clients Call 905-827-7333 For a FREE Hearing Test. Age 18+ Tile selection made enjoyable! Factory Tile Depot Hopedale Hearing Clinic In Hopedale Mall, next to the CIBC 1515 Rebecca Street, Unit 38, Oakville · 905-827-7333 www.factorytiledepot.ca