A bizarre court case heard the odd behaviour of a Qualicum man while the relationship with his partner fizzled. (NanaimoNewsNOW file photo)

By Ian Holmes

Strange case

Qualicum Beach man sent intimate pictures of ex-partner to her father

Jul 20, 2020 | 5:30 AM

NANAIMO — An irate Qualicum Beach man sent intimate pictures of his former partner to the victim’s father in a bizarre case played out in court.

The March, 2019 incident in Qualicum Beach was resolved after the accused agreed to a peace bond in provincial court in Nanaimo on Thursday, July 16.

Crown Counsel alleged the offender also published intimate images of the victim online without her consent, however prosecutor Leanne Mascolo told court there were “significant evidentiary issues” in proving it happened.

“The conduct was terrible in sending these photographs to her father, but I understand that it was in the context of a lot of upset in the breakdown of this relationship,” Mascolo said.

A peace bond functions similar to probation and states a victim has reasonable grounds to fear an offender. If he abides by the peace bond he won’t have a criminal record.

fire safety

'Install, test, replace:' smoke alarm safety top of mind for Nanaimo firefighters

2h ago

Island Intensity

Clippers lose hard fought battle 3-2 to Grizzlies

9h ago

road works

BC Conservatives promise 'grade separation' for 'dangerous and congested' Nanaimo Parkway

14h ago

The defendant previously entered a not-guilty plea to the more serious online picture posting allegation.

The unidentified man obeyed his pre-trial conditions since being released from custody on bail in March, 2019, court was told.

Defence lawyer James Wright said the former couple are going through a separate turbulent legal process involving child custody issues.

No contact orders for the next six months were applied by judge Karen Whonnock against the offender, with the exception of addressing the family court matter.

“It’s an unusual file to say the least that we would see in criminal court,” Mascolo told judge Whonnock.

A publication ban prevents the offender’s name from being published in order to protect the victim’s identity.

The sentencing hearing was held by teleconference, an optional alternative due to COVID-19.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com
On Twitter: @reporterholmes