Michael Robert Bird flips ”the bird” as he enters Court of King's Bench on Tuesday. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Sentencing decision reserved for Prince Albert sexual assault case

Feb 17, 2026 | 1:04 PM

A man awaiting trial for the murder of Trevor LaPlante did not hold back his feelings for the media as he was escorted to Court of King’s Bench Tuesday morning for a sentencing hearing on a separate matter.

Michael Robert Bird, 34, was convicted last October of sexual assault. The offence occurred on July 1, 2024, which was roughly three weeks prior to the death of LaPlante.

As per testimony heard during trial, a group of people gathered at a Prince Albert residence, were drinking heavily and consuming cocaine.

The female victim passed out on a bed and awoke to find Bird on top of her performing sexual intercourse.

She later admitted to being highly intoxicated but claimed to have a clear memory of the incident and seeing Bird.

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Bird, who admitted to consuming meth every day for three weeks and not sleeping for a week, was also highly intoxicated on alcohol and cocaine, and claimed to have no memory of the rape.

Crown Prosecutor Kristen Hubbard is seeking a 3.5 year prison sentence, lifetime weapons bans and 20 years on the national sex offender registry.

“It is a very serious sexual assault involving a vulnerable victim,” Hubbard said.

There was no victim impact statement but Hubbard explained the victim is dealing with lots of anxiety and has been in therapy since the sexual assault.

“There’s no excuse for taking advantage of an unconscious victim,” she said.

While Bird has 35 prior convictions on his criminal record, including five for violence related offences, he has no prior history of sex-related crimes.

In turn, Bird’s lawyer Evan Strelioff is seeking a sentence of 28 months which with remand credit to date, would amount to time served.

Strelioff explained up until five years ago Bird who is from Montreal Lake Cree Nation was on a good path and working full time in jobs related to construction, firefighting and forestry. However after the death of his partner, a woman who was also the mother to three of his children, he began using cocaine and this would eventually lead to a life on the streets and reliance on shelters.

Strelioff also stated Bird grew up in 10 foster homes and faced abuse.

When provided the opportunity to speak, Bird attempted to apologize.

“Even though I don’t remember doing this, I am sorry,” he said.

Bird added when he gets released from custody, he plans to be a better person for his children.

Justice D.E. Labach reserved their decision to the morning of Feb. 24.

Regardless of the outcome, Bird won’t be going anywhere as he will still be on remand for the murder charge.

While that matter has also been committed to Court of King’s Bench, trial dates have not yet been set. The next pre-trial conference hearing is scheduled for Feb. 27.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell