A Regina man has been sentenced to 120 days behind bars after an assault incident in Swift Current earlier last month.

On May 5th, 2021 Swift Current Municipal RCMP was called in response to a disturbance complaint. Upon arrival, it was learned that 5 employees from the Pioneer Coop Home Centre had been assaulted by 53-year-old Andrew Russell who had been refusing to wear a mask.

When entering the store, Russell who was wearing a face shield was asked by an employee at the entrance to put on a mask at which point he became very upset. The employee called a manager and when the manager arrived and asked Russell to put on a mask he became even more upset and began punching the manager in the face. A third employee came to assist and she too was punched by Russell and shoved into a counter. Another employee came to assist and was shoved while another who came to assist was threatened by Russell. 

 Russell then left the store followed by an employee who was checking to see if he got into a vehicle and if so obtain the license plate. Russell saw this individual and attacked him, punching him in the face 20 to 21 times within a minute. This employee has significant injuries and was taken to the hospital. The employee has a suspected concussion along with facial injuries. 

Russell was convicted of assault causing bodily harm, common assault, and uttering threats, he plead guilty to the charges and was sentenced late last month.

After he serves his time Russell will be on 12 months probation and will be required to get counseling for anger management, mental health, and personal issues.