Jonathan Gunville, the man who caused a nation-wide Amber Alert, was sentenced Wednesday to two years less a day, followed by three years' probation.
Judge Bruce Bauer said Gunville, 20, puts the public at risk because of his history of stealing vehicles without having a license. In the days following the Amber Alert, Gunville stole another vehicle and was driving erratically, according to the agreed statement of facts.
Bauer said the three year probation, following his jail time, is focused on rehabilitating Gunville back into society.
On Sept. 16 Gunville stole an SUV that was left running in a North Battleford parking lot. Court heard that while driving, Gunville realized a child was in the backseat. She was six-years-old with autism and epilepsy.
Gunville admitted he ditched the vehicle, that was no longer running, with the child still inside behind bushes in North Battleford's industrial area. The girl requires medication every few hours, and spent the evening in the vehicle with only a T-shirt and pants. Temperatures dipped to 1 C, according to the agreed statement of facts.
Fourteen hours after the theft, nearby workers found the girl safe.
Gunville's lawyer Bill Archer said he was satisfied with judge's sentencing and relieved Gunville won't be in a federal institution.
The Crown said it was also relieved the case is over, as it has taken a toll on the girl's family.
Bauer recommended Gunville serve his sentence at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford, but it will ultimately be up to the Ministry of Justice to decide.
