A six month conditional sentence has been handed down to a Chatham man found guilty of bigamy.
Timothy Mielczarek appeared in court Wednesday afternoon after being found guilty of the rare offence on February 6.
A courtroom full of people heard from Mielczarek's former wives as they read out their victim impact statements.
A publication ban was lifted at the sentencing hearing, however, the second wife has asked BlackburnNews.com to abstain from publishing her name.
Mielczarek's first wife, Leanne Mielczarek said in court that her and her 19-year-old daughter have been emotionally impacted by the situation.
"Knowing this has broken her," she said. "There's not one thing I can do to fix her pain."
Mielczarek's second wife said in court that she fears the types of effects this may have on their three daughters -- who range from ages 4 to 9 years old.
"It may forever change and alter their life," she said.
Both women also made note that they have been ridiculed by people passing judgment on them and their daughters.
After hearing the victim impact statements, Crown attorney James Boonstra and defence attorney Dave Jacklin went over past court cases in relation to bigamy, making suggestions for Mielczarek's sentence.
Justice Bruce Thomas said the ultimate penalty for bigamy charges has declined over the year since "this isn't a frequent offence."
Mielczarek was given the opportunity to speak in front of the court, but did not comment.
Seeing as Mielczarek does owe money in child support, the judge said he didn't see it appropriate to add additional fines, which would in turn be taken away from the children.
Certain conditions outlined in Mielczarek's sentence include: staying in Ontario, abstaining from taking drugs or alcohol, and staying confined to his home from 6pm-6am -- unless he is granted permission from his supervisor for work related reasons or a medical emergency.
Should Mielczarek breach any of his conditions, he will be sent to jail with additional time.