A Montreal Lake man has been handed a six-year prison sentence for manslaughter in relation to the death of a three-year-old boy.

Martin Bird pleaded guilty to the charge at a Prince Albert courtroom Thursday morning.

The Crown and the defence made their arguments for the length of the sentencing after revealing the circumstances around the toddler’s death in April 2013.

It was revealed that the toddler was in the care of Bird when he died.  Bird admitted to dropping the child numerous times and the autopsy revealed the child died from blunt force trauma to the head.

The Crown was seeking a sentence of eight years, while the defence was seeking a lesser sentence as well as credit for time already served.

The Queen’s Bench justice said the injuries to the child were numerous, but they were due to anger and frustration and not an intentional act.  The judge fell in between the two sides in the sentencing and handed Bird a six-year prison sentence.  The 30-year-old is now facing three years and two months in prison as he was credited with 34 months for time already served.

There is a publication ban on the name of the victim as well as Bird’s relationship with him.

Bird has been in custody since May 2013.