Three and a half years in jail for criminal harassment

PENTICTON – A Princeton man has been banished from the community as part of his sentence for continued harassing behaviour of several residents in the community.

Kevin Fredrick Lynch’s sentencing on guilty pleas to criminal harassment and two breaches on March 17 was adjourned by presiding Judge Gregory Koturbash as he sought to find out if fitting Lynch with a monitoring bracelet was an option to ensure the safety of the residents Lynch was harassing.

In a judgement handed down April 24, Judge Koturbash ordered Lynch banished from Princeton after learning Community Corrections could not provide the service, given Lynch had neither a residence or cell phone.

Lynch continued to make threats to two Princeton residents he was under court order not to contact after being given an intermittent sentence and a probation order on Oct. 21, 2015.

He was arrested after making a string of threats, on Oct. 29, 2015, but after entering guilty pleas to criminal harassment in September 2016 was released from jail again.

He then failed to obey an order not to come within 50 kilometres of Princeton and failed to report to probation officers, and was arrested on Sept 14, 2016.

He has remained in jail since that date.

In his decision, the judge said Lynch rebuffed efforts to get help by Community Corrections to find suitable housing, but he remained hopeful Lynch could still be a candidate for electronic monitoring should Community Corrections or police find the $30 to $45 per month required for a cell phone, necessary for electronic bracelet monitoring.

Lynch was sentenced to 30 months’ jail for the charge of criminal harassment. He was also given 180 days, consecutive, for failing to report his address to his probation officer.

In addition, he will serve 180 days consecutive for failing to inform his probation officer of his change of address.

Lynch will also serve a three year probationary term following his release, which includes banishment from the Town of Princeton, a requirement to stay at least 50 kilometres away from the community, and a lifetime firearms ban.

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