An elderly Vancouver man has been put on a one-year peace bond rather than going to trial in a case where he was accused of allegedly vandalizing 14 neighbours’ cars.
Amarjit Singh Bachu, 80, was accused of 16 counts of mischief by wilfully damaging a vehicle.
The charges came after vehicles were damaged between June and December 2019.
However, instead of proceeding on those charges, the court considered another count where neighbours sought a peace bond.
“Because of what happened before, they have a fear of damage to their cars,” Vancouver provincial court Judge Reginald Harris said.
“I didn’t do anything,” Bachu said via video link April 14.
Harris ordered Bachu to stay away from his neighbours on the 1800-block East 7th Ave. He must also park in his garage behind his house and not on the street.
Bachu’s lawyer told the judge his client has serious medical ailments and is having major surgery soon.
Crown prosecutor Mark Crips said there is “very compelling medical evidence” that a trial would not be possible for Bachu given his physical condition.
“Crown reluctantly agrees to a peace bond,” Crisp said.
The lawyers and judge discussed the “damage to a substantial number of vehicles” and the possibility of a restitution order.
However, Harris said such an order was not within his jurisdiction.
“All the damage that was done to their vehicles has been recovered through ICBC,” Crisp said.
Harris told Bachu if he breaches the conditions, he faces new charges.
“What’s been achieved here is an excellent resolution,” the judge said.
