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Beler said his client and his spouse have three kids, two of them teenage girls. It was particularly because of the daughters that Beler said his client reacted the way he did.

Beler said one of the cameras was pointed directly at his client’s deck, upon which he’d placed his hot tub.

“His two teenage daughters refused to go in the hot tub,” Beler said.

He told the court his client tried to address the matter with the neighbour, but got nowhere. The man then tried to go to the Regina Police Service and City Hall with his concerns but again had no luck, Beler said.

He said his client acted out of frustration and anger when he finally took matters into his own hands.

“He knew as soon as he did it how stupid it was,” Beler said.

The 38-year-old — who had no previous criminal record — received a nine-month conditional discharge, meaning he will avoid a criminal conviction for this offence if he successfully follows the terms of the order. Among conditions are that he not contact his neighbour, pay $1,000 restitution and write a letter of apology.

Beler said his client has learned his lesson and is now looking into the possibility of pursuing the matter in civil court. But one thing hasn’t changed.

“The camera is still there,” Beler said. “His daughters and wife still aren’t going into the hot tub … Unfortunately, I don’t think the story’s over.”

hpolischuk@postmedia.com

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