A man who twice punched his pregnant partner with a closed fist received a conditional discharge and probation in Vancouver Provincial Court on Feb. 11.
John Kevin Bernardo was charged with assault in the May 16, 2021, incident.
Crown prosecutor Robin Bellows said Bernardo’s second punch caused his partner to fall to the ground.
Judge Gregory Rideout heard the partner wants to continue the relationship and hoped to reunite with Bernardo.
Indeed, Bernardo’s bail conditions had been altered so he could see his baby.
“That has been going well,” the Crown prosecutor said.
Defence lawyer Jordan Allingham said a conditional discharge would be in Bernardo’s best interests as he could be deported if he received a criminal record.
Rideout consented to that request.
The judge told Bernardo to take counselling as part of his probation, specifically respectful relationship counselling.
Rideout said Bernardo is to have no contact with his partner without her consent.
