Mason Bird appeared by video when he was sentenced on Tuesday at Prince Albert Provincial Court. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

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While pursuing a drunk driver, who fled an accident scene on foot, a woman was ultimately bear sprayed in the face for her efforts.

Those were among the details heard at Prince Albert Provincial Court on Tuesday, for the sentencing hearing of Mason Bird.

For his role in the events that occurred on the afternoon of Aug. 24, the 35-year-old from Montreal Lake Cree Nation received a two-year sentence. Guilty pleas were entered for a wide range of offences including possession of meth for the purpose of trafficking, assault with a weapon, possession of proceeds of crime, possession of a stolen vehicle and failure to stop for police.

According to the facts read by Crown prosecutor Brent Slobodian, Bird initially hit a parked vehicle and fled on foot. While exiting the vehicle, a bottle of liquor fell out.

A witness, who had called police and then gave chase, was ultimately bear sprayed in the face. Upon locating Bird in the city’s east flat area, he was observed by officers hopping a fence to escape. He was however apprehended soon after.

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Slobodian noted during his ride to and while in police cells, Bird was displaying signs of intoxication including falling asleep.

A can of bear spray was located in a shrub near where Bird was arrested.

And later upon inspecting the vehicle Bird was driving, police found over 90 grams of meth, cellphones and $2,100 cash. Through their investigation police also learned the same vehicle had been stolen from Nipawin days prior and involved in a flight from police.

At the time of the offense Bird had recently served a 10-month sentence for drug trafficking and as part of his probation, was prohibited from driving.

Bird’s lawyer Deb Hopkins noted the family’s history with respect to residential schools and that he had started using drugs at age 12. She also noted the fact he was very remorseful for his actions, and was focused on being a better father and getting a job in the trades.

“He wants to change,” she said.

Bird’s sentence represented a joint-submission from lawyers and was accepted by Judge Jeff Lubyk.

Noting the seriousness of the crime and the concern for public safety, Lubyk acknowledged a mitigating factor was Bird’s early acceptance of responsibility.

In addition to the prison sentence, Bird will have to pay a $1,000 in fines and is prohibited from driving for a period of five years. He’s also prohibited for life from owning or possessing any weapons or explosives.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell