A former youth coach is facing two additional charges after he violated the conditions of a court order.
Last month, Coquitlam resident Randy Downes, 58, was spotted on two occasions near the Queen’s Park Arena, disobeying court-ordered conditions imposed on him as part of an ongoing investigation by Coquitlam RCMP. In October 2016, the neighbouring RCMP detachment announced a series of charges against Downes, including voyeurism, possession of child pornography and making child pornography for alleged incidents in Coquitlam.
As a result of the charges, Downes must abide by several conditions, but on Dec. 21 and 22 he was spotted in New Westminster near the Queen’s Park Arena, according to police.
The sightings were reported to New Westminster police officers and on Dec. 22, the police department issued a warrant for Downes’ arrest. He was arrested the following day by Coquitlam RCMP and brought to the New Westminster Police Department.
“Downes has multiple court-ordered conditions, and because of the diligence of the public in reporting the breach, our officers were able to identify him and recommend the appropriate charges,” said acting Sgt. Jeff Scott, spokesperson for the New Westminster Police Department, in a press release. “We strive to ensure that our city is safe for everyone to enjoy, and we want to thank the public for their assistance in achieving that goal.”
Downes remained in custody until Jan. 19, when he was released on bail with several court-ordered conditions, according to police.
Downes has coached various levels of hockey and baseball since the 1990s and has worked as a photographer for hockey, baseball and soccer, according to police.
He also coached with the Burnaby Winter Club as late as February 2013, according to files from the Record’s sister paper the Burnaby NOW.
