A photo taken of Bryce Bird, leaving Prince Albert Court of Queen's Bench on May 25. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Midtown stabbing results in 10 year prison sentence

May 31, 2021 | 2:00 PM

A man who stabbed a stranger in the throat, and left him lying in the street, has received a 10-year prison sentence.

Bryce Bird was only 18 when he murdered Cody McAdam in February 2019. The incident took place in Prince Albert’s midtown area, and according to the evidence heard in court, occurred after a disagreement over a pill transaction.

While Bird was initially charged with second degree murder, he entered a guilty plea to manslaughter at a separate court hearing on May 25.

During Friday’s sentencing hearing at Prince Albert Court of Queen’s Bench, Justice N.D. Crooks referred to the circumstances of the case as deeply troubling.

“I cannot know what was in your mind that day but I have no doubt that a reasonable person would be aware stabbing another person in the neck may cause a severe or life threatening injury,” she said.

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Crooks noted that a further aggravating factor in the case included Bird being released from custody less than 12 hours earlier, and in that time had armed himself with a weapon.

Cody McAdam had plans to become a professional cook. (Facebook)

The final sentence represents what the Crown had been seeking, while the defence was asking for a sentence of seven years. Justice Crooks noted a decision in a manslaughter case can be very difficult and must reflect both denunciation, as well as rehabilitation.

“There is no result through this process that can compensate Mr. McAdam’s family for the loss they have suffered,” Justice Crooks said.

Bird received remand credit for 663 days. In addition to the prison sentence, he will also be prohibited from owning or possessing any weapons or ammunition for a period of 10 years.

Prior to concluding, Justice Crooks spoke directly to Bird, and encouraged him to seek out support, work towards minimum security, seek out advice from an elder, and “that you will distance yourself from violent behavior, but honestly that is up to you,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell