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By Alric Lindsay
A man who is said to have been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia was sentenced today, October 21, 2024, by Magistrate Allard to 270 hours of community service for using an ICT Network to abuse, annoy or harass his ex-wife and stalking her. He was also fined $300 for using a generator at his home despite being told not to do so.
Using an ICT network to abuse, annoy or harass
Regarding the use of an ICT network to harass his ex-wife, Magistrate Allard said the man sent over 800 emails to the victim, her child, her co-workers, and members of the judiciary. Reportedly, these emails “caused the victim distress, considerable distress.”
Magistrate Allard sentenced the man to a Community Service Order of 120 hours, which must be completed within twelve months.
Stalking
For the charge of stalking, Magistrate Allard described a bizarre series of events where the man’s wife would wake up each day to find her vehicle cleaned and didn’t know how that came to be. She thought she was imagining things.
Soon, the man’s wife started to receive notes on her doorstep.
Although she reported her husband to the police, he continued to stalk her.
After considering the foregoing, Magistrate Allard sentenced the man to a Community Service Order of 150 hours to be completed within 12 months. This runs consecutively to the sentence of using an ICT network to abuse, annoy or harass.
Causing an annoyance or discomfort
The final charge of causing an annoyance or discomfort relates to the man’s use of a generator at his home.
Magistrate Allard summarized this offence, noting that the man was served a cease-and-desist notice but ignored it.
After deliberation, she fined the man $300 or 3 weeks in default.
She also considered forfeiting the man’s generator; however, the man explained that it had accidentally caught fire recently and was destroyed.
Sentencing conditions
Concerning sentencing conditions for the foregoing, Magistrate Allard said the man must:
1. Not to have any contact with the victim by any means whatsoever, including, but not limited to, writing formal text messages and all forms of social media whatsoever.
2. Not approach within 100 yards of the victim’s home or the victim. The only exception to this is in contact that is authorized by a court order (to make arrangements for children)
3. Keep the peace and be of good behaviour with the victim