A man from Burlington, Ontario, who admitted to making threats of violence towards two women, has been given a five-year prison sentence. DeAndre Anderson, 25, was taken into custody in April 2024 and faced charges of issuing threats related to the incel ideology. The sentencing, presided over by Justice Jennifer Crawford at the Ontario Court of Justice in Burlington, continued with the announcement of the prison term.
Anderson will serve 860 days, equivalent to approximately 28½ months, after receiving a credit for 523 days of pre-sentence detention, as requested by the Crown. The charges, deemed as terrorist activities under the Criminal Code, stemmed from a collaborative investigation involving the Halton Regional Police Service and the FBI.
In November, Anderson pleaded guilty to the charges, with the victims’ identities protected by a publication ban. During the sentencing, Anderson, accompanied by his mother, remained solemn in the prisoner’s box as Crawford detailed the case. Notably, Anderson utilized the alias MrUgly420 on an incel website from December 2022 to April 2024, expressing violent intentions towards a former classmate and outlining plans for harm against women.
After his arrest, authorities discovered Anderson’s documented schemes to harm his dentist and randomly attack women. Despite not executing these plans, Crawford emphasized the harmful impact of Anderson’s publicized violent thoughts, which promoted mass violence and normalized hatred. The judge reasoned that the severity of Anderson’s crimes warranted a five-year imprisonment to address his responsibility and allow for rehabilitation away from society.
Regarding parole eligibility, Anderson participated in various programs while incarcerated, showcasing some progress. Reflecting on his actions, Anderson expressed remorse in court, acknowledging his regrettable behavior on the incel platform. Crawford highlighted the potential for Anderson’s release under strict parole supervision upon successful rehabilitation and meeting the requirements outlined in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.
The Act mandates that Anderson must serve at least half of his sentence before parole consideration, in compliance with the specified guidelines for offenders facing terrorism-related charges. If affected by this news, seeking mental health support from provincial or territorial resources is recommended.
