Dustin Marshall Hrynyk was sentenced to time-served and probation after pleading guilty to criminal harassment and breaching conditions.
Hrynyk pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal harassment, one count of resisting a peace officer, and four counts of breaching conditions during his appearance in Bonnyville court via CCTV from the Edmonton Remand Centre on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
When Hrynyk and his long-time girlfriend broke up, his behaviour prompted his ex to contact the Cold Lake RCMP on Feb. 28 as she feared for her safety.
According to the victim, Hrynyk was constantly trying to contact her even after she told him to leave her alone. In some cases, he would show up to her work, call her consistently, leave her multiple voicemails, and send her text messages.
A few days after making the report, the female called police saying Hyrnyk was at her home, banging on the door and demanding she speak to him.
When officers attended the scene, they found Hrynyk, who had left the residence shortly after the call was made. He refused to leave his vehicle, but was arrested once he was removed from his car.
Hrynyk was released on a $1,000 recognizance the following day with conditions not to contact the victim, among others.
Regardless of his conditions, Hrynyk continued to harass the victim. On May 15, she reported to the Cold Lake RCMP that Hrynyk had called her numerous times. She confirmed it was him making the calls by answering and listening to the three voicemails he left on her phone.
A warrant was issued for Hrynyk’s arrest.
Police received a complaint on June 13 from a woman claiming Hrynyk was following her around Bonnyville. He left when the call was made.
He was later found at his parents' house on June 19, where he attempted to flee but was ultimately arrested.
On June 26, he was released from custody on a $2,500 recognizance. His conditions were not to attend her residence, not to be within a certain distance of the complainant, not to possess or consume alcohol or drugs, and to have no contact with the victim.
He breached his conditions on Aug. 19, when he was found outside of the victim’s home.
When police were called to the residence, Hrynyk was found and arrested. At that time, a knife was found inside the centre console of his vehicle.
Crown prosecutor Renato Di Lorenzo requested 86 days time-served, 12 months probation, and to have no contact with his ex-girlfriend.
With 57 days in custody, Hrynyk's lawyer Hart Spencer said he took the time to accept the end of his relationship. He will reside with his parents, and wants to get back to work.
According to Spencer, Hrynyk's continued contact with the victim wasn't always a one-way street. His ex girlfriend would reach out to him, and Hrynyk took that as an open door to try to mend the relationship.
Spencer noted there hasn't been anymore instances of Hrynyk attempting to contact his ex while he's been in custody.
During their relationship, Hrynyk said they had broken up in the past and addressed their issues to get back together.
"I've had a hard time, and it's taken me a while to grasp it," he continued, adding he has no desire to fix the relationship.
For Honourable Judge Robert Shaigec, the "important circumstances of the case are concerning, especially for the victim."
"She was afraid," emphasized the judge.
With this in mind, Hyrnyk received 86 days time-served and 12 months probation. Conditions include reporting to a probation officer, to have no contact with his ex girlfriend, to remain in the province of Alberta, and complete any programs as ordered by his probation officer.
