Two people in Weyburn breached a no contact order last week, however Deputy Chief Shane St. John with the Weyburn Police Service says they are two different circumstances.
Last Monday, the WPS received a report of a man contacting a woman in violation of a no contact condition. This is considered a breach of recognizance, and he was charged accordingly and released with a future court date.
The following day, a man on probation was found in breach of a no contact order with a woman. The WPS located him, where he was arrested, charged and released for a future court appearance.
St. John explains that while the incidents seem similar, the breach of probation will see more serious consequences.
“They've been convicted of something and part of that sentence of probation is that they are not to contact another party whatsoever. That's a more serious breach, and they did breach that probation condition.”
“Sometimes they are held in those circumstances depending on the situation and taken before a judge. They are more serious than the breach of recognizance, a breach of probation is more serious.”
St. John says that in every case, the purpose of a no contact order is for the safety of the victim.
“Whether it's harassment or some violence that occurred in the past, to have that condition in there in the first place, it's always for the safety of the victim.”
There is the potential for the probation sentence to be extended or even include jail time. The breach of recognizance could see a longer sentence or otherwise further penalties.