Man jailed for ignoring no-contact orders

A P.E.I. man who was twice found with a woman he was under court orders to have no contact with was sentenced recently to 75 days in jail.

Jesse Douglas Paquet, 27, appeared before Judge Jeff Lantz in provincial court in Charlottetown by video from jail where he has been in custody since his arrest.

During his court appearance, Paquet pleaded guilty to breaching his probation and breaching an undertaking.

Reading from an agreed statement of facts, Crown attorney Jeff MacDonald told the court Paquet was subject to two probation orders that included a condition he have no contact with Chelsey Lee Bernard.

The court heard Paquet and Bernard had an on and off relationship that included an assault on her, prior breaches of no-contact orders and an unlawful entry conviction in which they were co-accused.

MacDonald said that on Oct. 1, the two were seen walking together in Charlottetown and the police arrested them both.

They were released, but the next day the police responded to a complaint at the community outreach centre that Paquet and Bernard were arguing outside.

Paquet was held in custody after his arrest.

MacDonald said Paquet has a fairly long criminal history and the Crown recommended a 90-day sentence.

Before hearing his sentence, Paquet said he thought 90 days was “a bit much” for breaches of no-contact orders.

Paquet said they weren’t violent offences, adding both parties consented to be around each other and were only hurting themselves.

In sentencing Paquet, Lantz said it appeared the relationship wasn’t a positive one.