By Shannon Quesnel

A Penticton man was given bail today and is expected back at court to face four charges including the breach of a peace bond.

Duane Bevz of Penticton has been charged with a breach of undertaking (peace bond), theft of a motor vehicle and two counts of theft under $5,000. These charges were made in connection to a "toxic love triangle" earlier this month with a woman and another man.

Judge Brad Chapman ordered Bevz pay $1,000 for bail and avoid contact with the woman, among other conditions including following the judge's cell phone rules.

Defence lawyer Don Skogstad says his client, who has no criminal record, has had trouble with the woman in the past and has difficulty extracting himself from the relationship.

Chapman said it's for Bevz's own good that he follow the bail conditions to avoid losing $1,000 bail deposit and face more serious charges.

“You have to understand these are court orders and (we) expect them to be followed,” Chapman said, even if the woman approaches Bevz or makes contact with him he is still responsible for leaving her presence or ending the contact.

“It puts a lot of pressure on you,” Chapman says.

Bevz's case resumes in Penticton Provincial Court on Feb. 27 for a trial confirmation hearing.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Quesnel at squesnel@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065.