A reluctant complainant in a 2009 domestic dispute, which led to a lengthy standoff with police, has culminated in the dismissal of charges against a Red Deer man.
Gene Paul Levasseur, 38, instead of having a trial Monday in provincial court, entered into a three-year peace bond during which he must have no contact with the complainant.
Six charges, including unlawful confinement, were withdrawn by Crown prosecutor Dennis Huot when the complainant declined to show up for the scheduled day-long trial.
Huot said it was “almost impossible” to get the woman to show up in court. “We don’t expect her to come,” said Huot who noted the woman also failed to show up for another trial involving the accused last December.
The peace bond also involves a sum of $1,050 with no cash deposit. Levasseur could forfeit that amount and face new criminal charges if he violates terms of the bond.
The bond was granted on the condition that the complainant was apprehensive of receiving bodily harm, death threats and or damage to her property.
Levasseur was charged on March 18, 2009 following the lengthy standoff with RCMP at a residence on the South Hill across from a school.
Police were called to a townhouse at 3508 48th Ave. just before 7 a.m. after receiving a report of a possible domestic dispute.
The school was locked down and students were bused to a nearby hotel while the standoff occurred. Residents from several nearby homes were also evacuated.
RCMP said a woman had fled the scene safely but a man remained inside. It was feared he had a gun. The standoff ended when RCMP, with guns drawn, entered the residence and arrested the suspect.
Levasseur was in custody for almost two months before he managed to post bail of $4,000 cash.
Defence lawyer Lorne Goddard told court the couple had a tumultuous relationship for about three years.
“It was a very bad relationship,” Goddard said.
He said Levasseur is now working full-time.
jwilson@www.reddeeradvocate.com