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Former U of S Huskie Seamus Neary given 2 years probation for drug trafficking

On Thursday, a Saskatoon judge decided Seamus Neary would be better suited to serve his sentence in the community, rather than in custody. Luke Banville / Global News

A former university football player convicted of drug trafficking charges was given two years probation Thursday at the Saskatoon Court of Queen’s Bench. Seamus Neary, a former University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Huskie, was arrested after a police drug bust in February 2014 and convicted in November 2015.

Neary must comply with twelve conditions, including that he “refrain absolutely from the use, possession or consumption of any non-prescription or illicit drugs,” according to a 26-page judge’s decision.

READ MORE: Feds not decriminalizing pot ahead of legalization: Wilson-Raybould

Part of the judge’s reasoning was based on the current transition period in marijuana laws.

Neary’s defence lawyer Chris Lavier called the case “precedent-setting.”

“With marijuana in this quantity … you generally would be looking at a sentence of custody in excess of a year,” Lavier said.

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Neary plans to focus on his professional and academic career.

“This is an opportunity for me to get on with my life and to prove to everyone that has doubted me over the last little while that I’m contributing positively to society and I will continue to do so,” Neary said.

The former U of S Huskie is considering moving to Kelowna to attend the University of British Columbia Okanagan.

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