Santa bandit sentenced for Christmas Eve robbery in Stettler

An Alberta man has been sentenced to two years in custody for a Christmas Eve jewelry store robbery where police say the thief was dressed as Santa Claus.

• Santa bandit arrested 9 months after Christmas Eve holdup, Alberta RCMP say

Shawn Barry Steier of Medicine Hat pleaded guilty in Stettler Provincial Court earlier this month to robbery with a firearm, as well as being disguised with intent to commit an offence and other weapons charges.

On top of the custody sentence,Steierreceived a lifetime firearms prohibition, and must pay restitution and a fine.

RCMP say a lone man entered Wares Jewellers in Stettlerin 2015, produced a firearm and demanded jewelry and precious stones.

They say he then left the store and drove away in a Black Hummer, later ditching it for another getaway vehicle.

No employees were hurt.