(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

P.A. man receives jail sentence for possessing 400 rounds of ammunition

Sep 8, 2020 | 2:44 PM

A man found with multiple weapons and rounds of ammunition during a traffic stop in Prince Albert, has received a nine-month jail sentence.

Preston Bird, 26, appeared in person Tuesday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court and entered guilty pleas to charges of uttering threats and the possession of ammunition.

Bird was one of five people charged after the incident on March 10 in the 1100 block of 18th St.W.

According to the statement of facts read by Crown Prosecutor Kristen Hubbard, a crying woman told police someone tried to kidnap her. She claimed a white SUV had pulled up beside her and Bird shouted at her.

“He said hurry up, get in the vehicle or I will shoot you right here,” court heard.

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The woman was able to escape and the vehicle sped off, but was located a few hours later by police in the 300 block of 13th St. W.

A search of the vehicle resulted in a number of weapons being found, as well as a bag containing over 400 rounds of ammunition.

A layout of the weapons and items seized by Prince Albert Police on the night of March 10, 2020. (submitted photo/Prince Albert Police Service)

Because Bird has been in custody since his arrest in March, he was essentially granted time served and released from custody on Tuesday. The sentence, which also includes a probationary period of nine months, was a joint submission from the Crown and defence lawyers.

Noting Bird’s previous criminal record, which includes convictions for robbery, aggravated assault and manslaughter, Judge Felicia Daunt said she was saddened to see a young man with such a serious record.

“I don’t know if this sentence will fix you but it’s gonna be up to you to change the path you are on,” she said, encouraging Bird to take advantage of the resources that are available to him in the community.

Three of the co-accused, Dakota Roberts and Steven Halkett still have matters before the courts. A second woman charged, Celine Charles, had her charges withdrawn last July.

The charge against Daniel McAdam was stayed on Nov. 19, 2020.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell