A B.C. Provincial Court judge came down hard against a notorious Abbotsford gangster on weapons charges Thursday – but acquitted his brother entirely.
James Bacon, 22, was convicted of 10 weapons charges and an additional drug charge.
James, known as Jamie, and his elder brother Jarrod, 25, were arrested outside their family's home in April 2007 after what the Crown termed an attempted "gang-style execution" by rival gangsters.
The court heard Jamie Bacon returned fire on his rivals and was actually struck by a bullet in the back during the altercation. He was spared injury because he was wearing body armour.
The gun Jamie Bacon used ended up in a sophisticated secret compartment in the centre console of a Chevrolet Suburban SUV parked inside the family's garage. The weapon was found during a subsequent search of the home by police.
Judge Jean Lytwyn ruled DNA evidence adequately proved Jamie Bacon must have known about the compartment hidden inside the vehicle.
Related: Read the court judgment
Jamie Bacon is also charged with one count of first-degree murder in connection with the Surrey Six massacre, the worst instance of gang violence in British Columbia's history. The incident saw six people, including innocent bystanders Chris Mohan and fireplace repairman Ed Schellenberg, gunned down in a Surrey high-rise.
Jamie's brother Jarrod was acquitted of the gun charges Thursday, but was charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine in a separate case last November.
Both men remain in protective custody. Jamie is expected to be sentenced next week.
A third sibling, 28-year-old Jonathon, is still awaiting trial for separate drug and weapons charges.
The three brothers have been tied to the Red Scorpions gang, described by police as one of the most active -- and violent -- criminal organizations in B.C.'s Lower Mainland. Its alleged leader, Clayton Roueche, remains behind bars in the U.S.
With files from The Canadian Press
