One of three suspects wanted for trying to steal an automated teller machine from a Red Deer business will serve federal time after pleading guilty in Red Deer provincial court on Wednesday.
Robert Glen Moore, 33, was arrested on Aug. 22 by Red Deer City RCMP investigating a theft at the West Park shopping centre on Aug. 13.
Crown prosecutor Tony Bell told court that Moore was identified as one of the suspects after being caught on surveillance video at a neighbouring store. He was breaking a window when a piece of flying glass knocked aside the hood that had hidden his face, said Bell.
Moore and two others then wrapped a chain around the ATM, hooked it to the pickup truck they had backed up to the store, and then tried to pull it free.
They drove off empty-handed after two failed attempts.
A taxi driver noticed the attempt and called police, said Bell. The truck was found later and confirmed stolen.
Moore was charged with offences that included break and enter, and possession of stolen property worth more than $5,000.
He was already facing charges from his arrest a month earlier by a Red Deer RCMP officer who saw him driving a black car with its passenger window broken out and its alarm system still blaring, said Bell.
On that occasion, he was charged with possession of stolen property, possession of break-in tools, breaching probation and breaching conditions of a recognizance.
In court before Judge John Holmes and without the help of defence counsel on Wednesday, he asked for a sentence of at least two years so he could gain access to an addictions treatment program.
“I’ve been a habitual offender for over 10 years and I would like to seek assistance for help with my addictions. I’m a user and I need help as much as possible,” said Moore.
Holmes sentenced Moore to a total of 24 months on the two sets of charges, recommending that he be placed in an addictions treatment program.