Bad Santa is going to jail.
A man dressed as Santa Claus who robbed a Stettler jewelry store on Christmas Eve 2015 has been sentenced to more than three years in prison.
Shawn Steier, 31, of Medicine Hat, pleaded guilty last week in Stettler provincial court to robbery with a firearm, disguised with intent to commit an offence and other weapons-related charges, says Stettler RCMP.
Police reported at the time that the incident took place at about 4:30 p.m. A lone male dressed as Santa entered the Ware’s Jewelry store in downtown Stettler.
He pulled out a firearm and demanded various items including jewelry and precious stones.
No employees were physically harmed.
The robber fled the scene in a black Hummer H2 SUV.
In court, Steier also received a fine, was ordered to pay restitution and was given a lifetime weapons prohibition.