Trio receive common-law peace bonds in Barrhead Court of Justice

BARRHEAD - Justice Carrie-Ann Downey approved three joint Crown-defence submissions for common-law peace bonds with $1,500 no-cash deposits during an Oct. 22 Barrhead Court of Justice session.

By entering into the common law peace bonds, the three accused had their charges withdrawn and, as such, will not have a criminal record.

The first was Lorne Calvin Lefou, charged with uttering threats to cause bodily harm, who received a 12-month peace bond.

Defence counsel David Keyes said that although his client agreed to enter the common-law peace bond, he still maintained his not-guilty plea.

Crown prosecutor Robert Klein outlined the peace bond conditions, stating the accused must keep the peace and be of good behaviour. As part of the court order, he is prohibited from having any contact, direct or indirect, with the complainant.

Keyes said his client accepted the conditions and realized the necessity of the peace bond.

"He realizes things got a little bit out of hand and that a peace bond is necessary to keep the peace, and is prepared to live by the conditions," he said.

Downey warned Lefou that if he breaches the order terms, he could possibly have to pay the deposit to the court and be charged with a new offence.

"'Keep the peace' just means don't get into any further issues and have no contact with the [complainant]," she said.

Jean Luc Levesque received an 18-month common-law peace bond following pleading guilty to uttering threats to cause bodily harm or death.

Klein said the conditions of the peace bond include keeping peace and being of good behaviour, reporting as required to his probation officer, notifying the court about any changes of status of employment or living conditions, and completing necessary treatment and counselling as directed by his probation officer to his satisfaction in respect to psychiatric and psychological counselling. Levesque's peace bond conditions also include a non-contact order, direct or indirect, with the complainant.

"The no-contact condition is very specific," Downey interjected. "That means anything. Stay clear; it is in your best interests, sir."

Desmond Henry Humber also agreed to enter into a 12-month common-law peace bond for uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

Conditions of the peace bond include keeping the peace and being of good behaviour, notifying the court about any changes in the status of employment or living conditions, reporting to his probation officer as directed, and completing any assessment, treatment, and counselling, specifically regarding alcohol abuse to the satisfaction of the probation officer.