Prince Albert Provincial Court. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Accused in Laplante murder, also now awaits trial for unrelated sex assault charge

Dec 6, 2024 | 9:00 AM

The man accused of killing Trevor LaPlante has also opted to be tried by judge and jury for an unrelated and separate charge of sexual assault.

Michael Robert Bird appeared by video, when his case was discussed Thursday afternoon at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

A not guilty plea was entered by his legal aid lawyer and the case will now proceed to a pre-trial conference at Court of King’s Bench. The next scheduled sitting is on Dec. 20.

Through court records, paNOW learned the offence involves a woman and dates back to July 1, which would mean it occurred almost three weeks before Trevor Laplante was found deceased.

With respect to the murder charge, preliminary hearing dates were previously set for March 12 to 14 at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

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Depending on the outcome, that case will also head to King’s Bench as Bird’s lawyer on that matter elected for it to be tried by judge and jury.

Bird pleaded not guilty to offering an indignity to human remains but cannot enter a plea to the charge of second degree murder in provincial court if the trial is to happen in King’s Bench.

Trevor LaPlante, who was 52, was well known for his cheerful demeanor at his long-time job at the McDonald’s on Second Avenue and for his unwavering fan support for the Prince Albert Raiders and for the general sports community.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell