Man released from jail after sentencing

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on January 18, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A former B.C. man who stole a vehicle from a Brooks business and threatened an employee of a Lethbridge business, was sentenced to nearly three months in jail, then promptly released.

Kyle Duncan Reid, 30, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Lethbridge court of justice to charges of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. He was sentenced to 84 days in custody, but given full credit for time he already spent in remand custody, which completes his sentence.

On Nov. 23 of last year, Reid stole a plow truck from a car dealership in Brooks. The truck, worth between $15,000 and $17,000, wasn’t for sale, but belonged to the dealership and was used to plow its property.

Although Reid wasn’t actually caught stealing the truck, police later found it in his possession, and he was charged with possession of stolen property.

Only one day before the theft, Reid and another man were having an “issue” in Walmart on the northside of Lethbridge and were confronted by an employee. After the individual with Reid left the store, the employee told Reid he had to leave, as well.

“Mr. Reid threw some items out of the cart at (the employee) and told him, ‘I’ve got a gun, don’t come after me,’ ” Crown Prosecutor Michael Fox told court. “In all the context, your honour, the nature of that expression, clearly meant to intimidate or instill fear in (the employee), as such it meets the threshold of uttering threats.”

Reid, who the Crown noted has previous convictions for theft, assault and breaching court orders and probation, was sentenced to 30 days in jail for uttering threats and 54 days for possession of the stolen truck. Additional charges of being party to possession of stolen property over $5,000 and theft of a motor vehicle were withdrawn.

Calgary lawyer Kirsten Lancee, who agreed with the crown for an 84-day sentence, said her client had an “awful” upbringing and was a witness to, and victim of, significant physical and mental abuse from his mother’s previous partner.

Lancee said that even though he has “significant work history,” he has struggled to consistently hold a job the past three years.

“He describes homelessness due to a lack of employment, particularly around Covid 19 and the pandemic,” Lancee explained. “Also, addictions issues became much more complex in and around the pandemic time, as well.”

Lancee added, however, Reid is motivated to do better so he can have a relationship with his two-year-old daughter, overcome his drug addiction, and reconnect with his faith.

“He is remorseful for his actions. He feels as though he has truly learned, and I really do hope for the best for him.”

Reid echoed his lawyer’s sentiments, and said he is seeking help for his problems.

“I do want to be a part of a church when I get out, and maybe that’ll help facilitate a better time for me in my life,” Reid said. “I just need something to be a part of, I guess.”

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