US EditionMan pleads guilty in Lindsay, Ont., break-in case that became political flashpoint
Breen admitted to breaking and entering and breaching probation in the Aug. 18, 2025 incident, and he returns to court June 5.
- On Wednesday, Michael Kyle Breen pleaded guilty to breaking and entering and failing to comply with a probation order in the August 18, 2025, incident in Lindsay, Ont.
- The case became a political flashpoint over Canadians' rights to defend their homes after police charged apartment resident Jeremy David McDonald, whose charges prosecutors dropped in February.
- Premier Doug Ford criticized the decision to charge McDonald, saying it shows "something is broken", while the Kawartha Lakes police chief argued Canadians do not have an "unlimited" right to defend property.
- Breen claimed "I'm not a violent person," while his lawyer argued his client suffered a "traumatic injury at the hands of the homeowner" after nine months in jail.
- Acknowledging he was under the influence of substances during the crime, Breen stated "I'm definitely guilty" and is due back in court on June 5.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Ontario Break-In Case That Sparked National Self-Defence Debate Ends in Guilty Plea
The man charged with breaking into a Lindsay, Ont., apartment last summer in a case that sparked political debate about Canadians’ rights to defend themselves in their homes has pleaded guilty in court. Michael Kyle Breen pleaded guilty on April 15 to breaking and entering in connection with the incident last August, which also led to assault charges against the homeowner after Breen sustained life-threatening injuries. Breen also pleaded guilty…
The Toronto Star
Man pleads guilty in Lindsay, Ont., break-in case that became political flashpoint
The man accused of breaking into a Lindsay, Ont., apartment last year in a case that became a political flashpoint over Canadians' rights to defend their homes has pleaded guilty.
Guilty plea in highly debated B&E case
The man accused of breaking into a Lindsay apartment in 2025, in a case that became a political flashpoint over Canadians’ rights to defend their homes, has pleaded guilty. Michael Kyle Breen admitted in court Wednesday to breaking and entering and failing to comply with a probation order, in the incident that occurred on August 18. The case attracted significant attention after Kawartha Lakes police also arrested the resident of the apartment w…
Man pleads guilty in Lindsay break-in case tied to self-defence debate
The man accused of breaking into a Lindsay, Ont., apartment last year in a case that became a political flashpoint over Canadians' rights to defend their homes has pleaded guilty. Michael Kyle Breen admitted in court on Wednesday to breaking and entering and failing to comply with a probation order in the Aug. 18, 2025 incident. “I’m definitely guilty," Breen said, appearing via video link from a detention centre, in orange jail clothes. "Any t…
Man pleads guilty in Lindsay, Ont., break-in case that became political flashpoint – 105.9 The Region
The man accused of breaking into a Lindsay, Ont., apartment last year in a case that became a political flashpoint over Canadians’ rights to defend their homes has pleaded guilty. Michael Kyle Breen admitted in court today to breaking and entering and failing to comply with a probation order in the Aug. 18, 2025 incident. The case attracted significant attention after Kawartha Lakes police also arrested the resident of the apartment who confront…
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