H.P. court docket
April 14, 2025
Justice C.A. Walker
An Atikameg man who assaulted his female spouse twice will spend a few more weeks in jail.
Derek Holden Cunningham, 36, was handed a global sentence of 100 days after pleading guilty April 14 in the High Prairie Court of Justice to two counts of assault.
Court heard that involving a domestic assault, Cunningham entered her residence where he pulled her out of the bathroom, Crown prosecutor Nuha Abunada told court.
He also slapped her in the face and punched her.
“She sustained cuts to her face, scratches on her arm and red marks on her face, neck and chest,” the Crown said.
Their young daughter was present and witnessed the ordeal.
On another date, Cunningham assaulted her near St. Andrew’s School, the Crown added. During the second incident, he slapped her face with the back of his hand several times.
No injuries were reported.
Justice C.A. Walker was appalled by Cunningham’s actions, particularly when the female sustained injuries with their daughter present.
“You left marks on her,” Justice Walker noted.
“It must have been terrifying for her and your daughter.”
Cunningham is sorry for his actions, said his lawyer, Derek Renzini.
“He’s expressing remorse by his guilty pleas,” Renzini added.
“He has no history of violence.”
Cunningham also has drug and alcohol addictions, court heard.
“He’s volunteered to take residential treatment,” Renzini submitted.
After he is released from jail, Cunningham will serve probation for 12 months. He will have no contact with the victim except if he makes a request in writing to his probation officer, who is satisfied with the request.
Cunningham must not be within 25 metres of the female’s residence, place of employment and place of worship. He is also required to complete assessment, treatment and counselling for drugs, alcohol, anger management and domestic violence as directed by his probation officer, and he is banned from possessing or using firearms during his probation.
Cunningham was further fined $500, with no victim fine surcharge, after pleading guilty to failing to comply with release conditions.
The charge arose after Cunningham was inside the female’s residence against the court order.
He was ordered to pay the fine by Oct. 20.
Samantha Carrie Badger, 34, of Sucker Creek, was fined $3,000, including the victim fine surcharge, after pleading guilty to driving a motor vehicle without insurance.
Justice C.A. Walker ordered Badger to pay the fine by March 31, 2026.
Nathan Grant Laderoute, of Gift Lake, was fined $600, excluding the victim fine surcharge, after pleading guilty to breach of probation.
Court heard Lade- route did not report to his probation officer several times as directed.
“It’s unfortunate he did not comply,” said Crown prosecutor Nuha Abunada.
Justice C.A. Walker ordered Laderoute to pay the fine by Oct. 20.