Man who broke into Canadian Tire and stole $3,600 gun could face lengthy prison sentence

Photo: Contributed

A Kamloops man who broke into Canadian Tire on New Year’s Day and stole a $3,600 gun could spend more than three years in prison.

Daniel John McClintock, 34, pleaded guilty in Kamloops provincial court to one count each of break and enter to steal a firearm and possessing a firearm while prohibited.

Court heard McClintock broke a window to get into the Canadian Tire store in Aberdeen on Jan. 1. A witness told police he saw a man coming and going through the broken window.

A Mountie headed to the call spotted a man matching the suspect’s description near Hillside Drive and Notre Dame Drive. McClintock was arrested in the area a short time later.

Court heard he stole a Winchester rifle worth $3,600, which was found by police near the Canadian Tire store.

At the time of the burglary, McClintock was bound by a probation order with a term prohibiting him from possessing weapons.

The Crown is seeking a 3.5-year prison sentence for McClintock — three years for stealing the gun and another six months for the breach offence.

Lawyers met in Kamloops provincial court on Monday to set a date for McClintock’s sentencing, which is slated to take place on Oct. 1.

McClintock remains behind bars.