A man has pleaded guilty to charges related to a break-in at an apartment in Lindsay, Ontario, last year. Michael Kyle Breen confessed in court on Wednesday to breaking and entering and violating a probation order during the August 18, 2025 incident. Speaking via video link from a detention center, Breen, dressed in orange jail attire, acknowledged his guilt, stating that whenever he was guilty in the past, he accepted responsibility for his actions.
The case gained widespread attention when the resident of the apartment, Jeremy David McDonald, was also arrested for confronting the intruder. Initially facing assault charges for allegedly using a knife during the confrontation, McDonald was criticized by Premier Doug Ford for being charged. However, the police chief of Kawartha Lakes emphasized that individuals do not have an unrestricted right to defend themselves and their property.
Following a reassessment by prosecutors, the charges against McDonald were dropped in February due to insufficient prospects of conviction. During the recent court hearing, Breen denied using violence or threats during the break-in, insisting that he is not a violent person. His lawyer mentioned that Breen suffered a traumatic injury at the hands of the homeowner and has limited recollection of the incident, partly due to being under the influence of substances at the time.
Despite spending nine months in jail, Breen expressed confusion about his actions that led to the situation. Police reported that Breen was airlifted to a hospital in Toronto after an altercation with the apartment resident. Breen is scheduled to appear in court again on June 5.