A man who stole $10,000 worth of copper wire in Lacombe is headed to jail.
Robert Bourque, 40, of Campbell River, B.C., was sentenced to seven months in jail after pleading guilty to two business break-ins and possessing a small amount of marijuana when he appeared in Red Deer provincial court on Wednesday.
Bourque had been charged with break-and-enter, theft, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance.
The property charge was withdrawn in exchange for the guilty pleas.
Crown prosecutor Tony Bell told court that police stopped a vehicle with two men in it on Nov. 18 at about 2:30 a.m. on Hwy 12.
The police noticed a minivan leaving an industrial area in southeast Lacombe with the vehicle’s back low to the ground.
The officer checked the van and its two occupants and discovered about $10,000 in copper wire inside the vehicle. The officer also found some marijuana and crystal meth.
Bourque also pleaded guilty to possession of 20 grams of marijuana and was fined $250.
Bell said the officer noticed the driver was extremely nervous and shaking when he was asked to produce identification and registration.
An investigation revealed copper wire had been stolen from two FortisAlberta Inc. sites.
Bert Zwicker, 48, from Edmonton, is charged with break-and-enter, theft and possession of stolen property of more than $5,000.
He remains in custody and reserved his plea on Wednesday until Dec. 2.