Charges have been withdrawn against Jeremy David McDonald, an Ontario man accused of assaulting alleged home intruder Michael Kyle Breen last August, a case that garnered significant political attention. The incident occurred on August 18, 2023, when McDonald woke up in his apartment in Lindsay, Ontario, to find Breen breaking in with a crossbow in hand.
The confrontation resulted in Breen sustaining serious injuries, leading to his hospitalization. Following the incident, McDonald was charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon, while Breen faced multiple charges, including possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, break and enter, theft, mischief under $5,000, and failing to comply with probation.
This case sparked a considerable public outcry, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford commenting that the decision to charge McDonald indicated that “something is broken” in the legal system. The ongoing debate around self-defence laws and homeowners' rights intensified as the public reacted to the charges against McDonald.
On February 26, 2026, the Crown announced in a Lindsay courtroom that, upon reviewing additional evidence and considering the requirements for self-defence under the Criminal Code, they concluded that McDonald had sufficient grounds for self-defence. Consequently, they determined that there was no longer a reasonable prospect of securing a conviction against him.
Premier Ford reiterated his stance on the matter, asserting that individuals who enter someone’s home unlawfully should face consequences. In a statement made during an unrelated press conference, he stated, “What I understand, if a guy breaks into your house and he has a crossbow ready to kill you, it’s free game." Ford expressed that he would take decisive action to protect his home and family in such a scenario.
In a related development, Breen was also scheduled to appear in court on the same day to enter a plea regarding his charges. However, his lawyer, Charles Wrock, was absent, leading to the postponement of the case until March 5, when a new date for Breen’s plea will be set.
Kawartha Lakes Police Chief Kirk Robertson remarked on the public interest and emotional responses surrounding the case. While he acknowledged the right of individuals to defend themselves and their property, he emphasized the necessity for any defensive action to be proportionate to the threat encountered. He urged the public to understand that “the use of force must be reasonable given the circumstances.”
The legal complexities surrounding self-defence and the rights of homeowners continue to stir debate within Ontario and beyond. The outcomes of both cases—the charges against McDonald being dropped and the forthcoming court proceedings for Breen—are anticipated to further influence discussions on self-defence laws in Canada.
This case illustrates the challenges and nuances involved in legal self-defence, particularly in situations where individuals find themselves in life-threatening scenarios within their own homes. The implications of this case may resonate beyond the immediate charges and affect perceptions and legal standards regarding home invasion incidents in Ontario and across the nation.
