CORNER BROOK, N.L. — Ashley Park has pleaded guilty to breaking into Alteen’s Jewelry on Broadway in Corner Brook in January.
Park, 36, of Corner Brook, entered the plea during an appearance in provincial court in Corner Book on Friday afternoon. He appeared via teleconference from the West Coast Correctional Centre in Stephenville.
He also pleaded guilty to three other charges — failure to comply with a probation order, resisting a police officer and failure to comply with an undertaking. A second charge of failing to comply with a probation order was conditionally withdrawn by the Crown.
It’s alleged Park broke into the store and stole merchandise at 5:40 a.m. on Jan. 4.
He was arrested that day and later released on an undertaking, but just hours later he was rearrested for allegedly robbing a woman at an ATM banking kiosk in the Caribou Road area.
Police responded to the area at 12:04 a.m. on Jan. 5. It’s alleged Park approached the woman while armed with a knife and demanded money.
He was arrested a short time later and charged with robbery, breach of probation and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
He originally consented to being held in custody, but an application to be released on bail was denied earlier this month.
Judge Wayne Gorman concluded Park, who has a lengthy criminal record, would not comply with any release conditions that would be imposed. He also said Park’s release would endanger the public and cause the public to lose confidence in the administration of justice.
His sentencing — as it relates to the charges to which he pleaded guilty Friday — will take place March 31. Park’s lawyer plans to arrange for him to appear via videoconference.
He has elected to be tried in Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court on the three charges related to the robbery at the ATM.
Diane Crocker reports on west coast news.
@WS_DianeCrocker
