CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A Lakeside man who went into a woman’s home uninvited, got into bed with her and refused to leave was sentenced recently to 90 days in jail on five charges.
Randy William Cameron, 49, appeared before Chief Judge Nancy Orr in provincial court in Charlottetown for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to being unlawfully in a dwelling, assault and two counts of damaging property.
He also pleaded guilty to breaching a release order.
During a prior appearance, Crown attorney Nathan Beck told the court Cameron had previously been in a relationship with the woman and on June 13 the two exchanged argumentative texts.
The court heard that on June 14 at around 5 a.m., Cameron was intoxicated when he took a cab to the woman’s home, went inside and got into bed with her.
Beck said Cameron refused to leave, threw the victim’s phone and, at one point, pushed her down on the bed.
Cameron eventually did leave but slammed a door on his way out causing more than $600 in damage.
The RCMP arrested Cameron that day and he was released on June 15 with a condition he not have any contact with the victim.
Beck said that on June 28, Cameron’s mother delivered a letter from him to the victim asking her to recant her statement to police.
During the most recent court appearance, Beck said the victim is still fearful for her safety and she is constantly looking over her shoulder.
Beck said the incident turned the woman’s life upside down and she has since obtained an emergency alert button she carries with her.
Defence lawyer Isaac Quinn told the court cocaine and alcohol addictions caused Cameron significant issues.
He has been meeting with an addictions counsellor and hasn’t been using cocaine, Quinn said.
Before hearing his sentence, Cameron said he was very regretful and remorseful for his actions.
He also said the victim has no reason to fear he will ever go near her again.
In sentencing Cameron, Orr said he had a significant impact on the victim and she lost her sense of security.
Orr said it was concerning that Cameron was arrested, released on conditions and then had his mother deliver a letter to the victim a few days later asking her to withdraw her complaint to police.
Along with the jail time, Cameron will be on probation for 18 months during which time he will be subject to electronic monitoring if directed and must pay $706 in restitution.
Cameron must also provide a DNA sample for the national databank and he will be subject to a weapons prohibition.
Ryan Ross is the justice reporter for The Guardian.
