FORT PROVIDENCE (Mar 01/99) - A 20-year-old man who assaulted an 81-year-old elder on Boxing Day in Fort Providence was sentenced to four years in jail Thursday.

Malcolm Bouvier, of Fort Providence, pleaded guilty to the offence in territorial court and subsequently received the sentence from judge Robert Halifax.

Bouvier entered a senior's home on Dec. 26 and demanded money from the residents. When his request wasn't met he beat an 81-year-old who was taken to hospital, treated and released later that same day, according to Cpl. Rod Tiller of the Fort Providence RCMP.

Bouvier had also pleaded guilty to uttering threats and taking an automobile without consent, but was given concurrent sentences for these crimes, meaning he'll serve no additional time.

However, Bouvier had also been sentenced to a total of eight months in jail on Jan. 20 for charges of break and enter and theft as well as theft of a snowmobile, both unrelated to the Boxing Day incidents. His four year sentence won't take effect until he has completed his eight months for those offences.

The co-accused in the Dec. 26 matter, a 19-year-old, has pleaded not guilt to a charge of robbery. A preliminary hearing was held on Wednesday and that matter will proceed to trial in Supreme Court. A date has yet to be set.