Warning: Graphic content A Toronto man accused of pimping out vulnerable women in the sex trade, who has since become a preacher, was sentenced to time served following a plea deal in a Barrie courtroom. Brandt Vanderhyden, 37, pleaded guilty to two of 13 counts he faced; admitting to placing advertisements for sexual services online, arranging and taking all $240 from the woman he sold to a client in September 2022 in Barrie. The plea which included an Agreed Statement of Facts read in court by the Crown came just as the jury had been selected ahead of what was supposed to be a three-week trial. Vanderhyden was accused of several serious charges including kidnapping and procuring a woman for sexual services, sexual assault with a weapon, and extortion. The Crown’s case fell apart, however, when two complainants failed to show up for court Monday morning, prompting the Crown and defence to make a deal. The complainants, described by the Crown as vulnerable women, did not want to participate in the trial against Vanderhyden according to the Crown. The prosecution said a woman told police she feared for her safety. Having already spent eights months in custody and about four years under strict house arrest conditions with a GPS ankle monitor, Vanderhyden was credited with time served of 18 months. He walked out of the Barrie courthouse with loved ones and presented his lawyer Melina Macchia with a bouquet of flowers. Macchia told the court her client was released from custody following a bail review, arguing he was detained based on charges “that should never have been laid.” The court heard Vanderhyden was addicted to crack cocaine at the time of his arrest. He said he has turned his life around and become a preacher, telling the court he is “no longer” the man he was in 2022. Now three years sober, Vanderhyden said he is dedicated to helping others find God and salvation. Vanderhyden has participated in church services, available online, as he shared his story of redemption. “I have seen the fire and now I see the light,” he tells the congregation in one speech. “When will you allow the Holy Spirit to start making changes in your life?” he questions the cheering crowd. “God can only enter these areas of our life,” he says, “if we surrender our will.” Macchia told the court Vanderhyden has worked for his family’s business while out on bail and completed addiction treatment. His lawyer said he has complied with very restrictive conditions and plans to start his life over with the criminal charges behind him. “God only leads you to what he will see you through, and that’s the message here today. If that helps anybody, that is wonderful,” Vanderhyden told CTV News while leaving the courthouse. When offered the opportunity to address the court, Vanderhyden said he has grown a lot since 2022. “I am a new man today,” he proclaimed, before thanking the court. Vanderhyden will be placed on probation for three years and is ordered to pay restitution of $240 to the complainant. All other charges against him were withdrawn by the Crown after Justice Lisa Wannamaker accepted the joint proposal. If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
