![]() ![]() In the early hours of the morning, the suspect enters a young woman's room and stands over her, saying nothing and not touching her before leaving soon after she awakes.īut in one of the most recent incidents, the culprit changed his practices to include what police would only describe as the sexual touching of two young women asleep in their apartment. The suspect - if it is one person - has adhered to a similar method in the roughly 20 cases police have linked to him in a concentrated area of the city's south end. Halifax police believe they are dealing with one person and have released four artist sketches of a man who has confounded residents and officers since 2008. 23, for a decision on O'Gorman's request for a directed verdict.HALIFAX - He walks into homes through unlocked doors, sneaks into women's bedrooms and quietly watches them sleep until they wake before fleeing out the same open entryway he used to get in.ĭubbed the 'Sleepwatcher' by edgy Halifax residents, the elusive predator has been carrying out his unusual, apparently random crimes for two years and yielding little information about his identity. The peace bond matter will return to court on Feb. That judge noted that "there was no evidence of particular trauma or upset to the victims" and "no violence, threat or aggression." She also questioned whether the "severe psychological damage" test is met in this case, pointing to comments made by the Nova Scotia judge in sentencing Sinclair for the 2012 break and enter. "In his case, the officer is not afraid of violence," O'Gorman noted. She indicated that her review of past case law did not turn up anybody in a similar situation to her client. "Why is he up for a peace bond like this when he doesn't have a history of hurting people?" O'Gorman said. ![]() In her submissions to the court, defence lawyer O'Gorman questioned whether the RNC officer's fear of a future break and enter with voyeurism met the test for the type of peace bond sought by police. 'He doesn't have a history of hurting people' Madden noted that Sinclair was found not guilty of voyeurism-related offences in 2012, and the Nova Scotia judge didn't put much weight on a psychologist's report which referenced that in his sentencing hearing for the break and enter. John's Friday, Judge Mike Madden asked the Crown to explain exactly what evidence it is relying on with respect to its references to voyeurism. He was however, convicted of a separate break and enter, and sentenced to five years, which he has now served.Īt Sinclair's hearing in St. The judge in Nova Scotia ruled that there was insufficient proof that Sinclair actually made the recordings, and acquitted him. #Halifax sleepwatcher trialIn 2012, Sinclair went on trial in Halifax, accused of voyeurism-related offences linked to the so-called "sleepwatcher" case.Įvidence presented during the trial included a video seized from Sinclair's home, which contained recordings of women undressing in their apartments. She also referenced the potential for voyeurism, adding that "bedrooms. Stephen Picco said he believes Sinclair needs "conditions placed upon him to keep him and to keep the community safe."įriday's proceedings in provincial court largely revolved around the definition of what constitutes "a serious personal injury offence."Ĭrown lawyer Jennifer Colford said breaking and entering into someone's home is an offence that is "likely to inflict severe psychological damage on individuals." In court documents filed last year, the RNC indicated it has reasonable grounds to believe that Sinclair "will commit a serious personal injury offence."Īt a previous hearing on Jan. The police want to put Sinclair under a type of peace bond, which would restrict his movements. #Halifax sleepwatcher codeLast year, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary went to court under a section of the Criminal Code related to crimes that haven't happened yet, but which they believe will. A Newfoundland and Labrador provincial court judge will decide next month whether he should toss out the Crown's case seeking a rare type of peace bond against a man once accused of being the Halifax "sleepwatcher."Įllen O'Gorman, the lawyer for Barry Edward Sinclair, has asked for a directed verdict in the matter involving her client. ![]()
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