PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — A Saskatchewan woman who stole a truck with an infant inside has been sentenced to 16 months in jail.
Maxine Charles, who is 24, stole the truck in Prince Albert on March 11.
The owner had left the vehicle running and unlocked and went into a business, leaving a baby in the back seat.
A witness informed a passing officer of the theft and the truck was stopped just moments later.
The infant was unharmed and returned safely to the parent.
Charles spoke Monday in court before being sentenced about struggling with addiction, adding she stole the vehicle to flee a toxic relationship.
“It’s time to grow up,” she said.
Judge Steven Schiefner said Charles has no defence for what she did.
After receiving credit for the time she has already spent in custody, Charles will spend another four more months in prison.
She was also sentenced on several lesser charges, which will be served concurrently.
As part of her sentence Charles is prohibited from driving for one year. She will also be required to serve nine months of probation with conditions barring her from consuming alcohol. Scheifner ordered her to pay an $800 victim surcharge and undergo treatment for her addictions.
Schiefner commended Charles for her active participation in treatment programs while she awaited sentencing, and wished her good luck with the remaining time she has left to serve.
