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By Bob Mackin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince George Citizen

Court

Judge sentences man to 18 months probation for assaulting and threatening girlfriend

Sep 7, 2025 | 7:30 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — A 31-year-old man who pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting and threatening his girlfriend will spend 18 months on probation after a Prince George Provincial Court judge gave him a conditional discharge on Aug. 22.

The man had also been charged with sexual assault, unlawful confinement, assault by choking and assault with a weapon. The case is under a ban on publication of information that could identify the victim.

Court heard that, on Aug. 10, 2023, the girlfriend called Prince George RCMP to report that her boyfriend struck her once with a closed fist, slapped her and pulled on her hoodie, causing her to choke.

Crown counsel Lisa Sukkau sought a suspended sentence, but the man’s defence lawyer, Bobby Movassaghi, asked for a conditional discharge. If he fulfils the conditions of the probation, he will not have a criminal record.

Judge Peter McDermick concluded that “all domestic violence is very serious,” but said there were several mitigating factors.

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No injuries to the victim were reported and the Crown indicated the victim did not want to proceed to trial. The man has been on bail for two years without incident, has no criminal record and pleaded guilty, thus showing remorse.

“Intriguingly, he was treated for a serious depression,” McDermick said. “He spent a week in hospital just before this incident and I’m told he had some substance abuse challenges on or about this time.”

“His mother submits, and I accept it’s not being contested, that since then, he’s joined Alcoholics Anonymous, he’s doing counselling, and so he’s addressed some of his challenges.”