This was very poorly reported in the Herald.
Ryan obviously did not receive a "conditional sentence". A conditional sentence is a sentence of house arrest in lieu of jail. Such a sentence is given when a person is convicted of a criminal offence.
Atkins obviously received a conditional discharge. This means that the accused is given probation and must comply with the stated conditions of the order. If successful the accused is then discharged. Technically the accused would not have a criminal record and if he is convicted of a later criminal offence, the earlier conviction cannot be mentioned to the judge in sentencing.
However, the record of the conditional discharge still remains on the police computer - CPIC. This could definitely cause problems going into the US. I understand they consider discharges as criminal convictions and they are hooked into CPIC.