Discharge for taking snowboard for joyride

An 18-year-old Airdrie man was granted a conditional discharge in Banff Provincial Court for stealing a snowboard at Sunshine Village.

Anthony James Wylie pleaded guilty on Aug. 23 in front of Judge George Gaschler to charges of theft under $5,000 and failing to appear in court.

Further charges of failing to appear and fraud to obtain transportation were withdrawn by Crown Prosecutor Darren Mahoney after acceptance of the guilty pleas.

Mahoney told court Banff RCMP were called to Sunshine Village on March 15 this year at 4 p.m. for a male caught trying to steal a snowboard from a rack.

“A witness yelled at the accused it was not his board, but he jumped on the board,” said the Crown, adding the witness managed to take pictures of Wylie and report the incident to security.

Security found Wylie and held him for RCMP.

Duty counsel Dale Fedorchuk said alcohol was a factor in the theft and Wylie did not intend to steal the board, but take it up the mountain for a ride.

“Mr. Wylie indicates on this particular occasion alcohol was a factor in the stupid decision he made,” Fedorchuk said. “He acknowledges all his actions were inexcusable and had he not been impaired, he would not have engaged in this behaviour.”

He recommended a six-month conditional discharge as a way to let the young man avoid a criminal record as a result.

Judge Gaschler agreed to the recommendation, with direction that Wylie abstain absolutely from alcohol and complete 20 hours of community service.

“Thousands of people enjoy skiing and boarding and it operates on a trust system,” Gaschler said. “When we take a break we can leave our skis and boards and when we come back they will be there.”

The judge warned the accused if he breaches the conditions of the discharge he could end up with a criminal record.

“Alcohol and sometimes young men together make decisions one normally would not,” added the judge.