Low-end sentence for man who barged into home looking for spouse’s daughter

A suspended sentence and probation were handed down by a judge Wednesday at the Medicine Hat Courthouse to a man who took matters into his own hands — and ended up with criminal charges.

While there were extenuating circumstances, “vigilantism is not supported in Canada as a way to solve problems between people,” said the Crown prosecutor over the case of a 36-year-old man who barged into a residence with his common-law wife in March of 2016 looking for the woman’s daughter who had run away from home earlier in the day.

The couple yelled threats at those within the house whose ages ranged from 12 to 21, while the man also threw the 21-year-old to the couch, raised his fist threateningly, and then punched the couch.

Alcohol was a factor in their actions.

The man received a 12month suspended sentence and probation after pleading guilty.

The mother was granted a conditional discharge and probation earlier this year. As noted during the mother’s sentencing, the pair had heard rumors of drugs and sexual assaults occurring in the residence, and knew there were issues with Child and Family Services. Crown at the time confirmed that the residence was considered a “broken home” with “no responsible adult” present. The girl ultimately was at the residence.

“I clearly recognize the fact there were other forces,” said Judge Maxwell, and that the man’s actions were not something he would have normally done save for involvement of the 12-year-old girl.

But while he understands the motives for the actions, the Judge said it falls short of a legal defence.

“People can’t for any reason kick doors in on someone’s home and barge in and berate them and threaten them.”

“The thing that concerns the court is the overall tenor of it,” Maxwell said. “And that things could get out of control.”

The sentence is on the lower-end of the range, he added. Maxwell also ordered that as part of probation, Waylon Stobbe receive assessment and counselling.