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National Post

Ontario woman convicted of defrauding doulas gets prison sentence after breaching probation

Article content The now infamous doula-duper, Kaitlyn Braun, 26, was given the sentence she asked for after pleading guilty four months ago: she'll serve the rest of a conditional sentence in jail and then be sent to prison for a three-year term. Article content 'The waiting has been difficult,' Braun's lawyer, Alison MacDonald, said in a Hamilton courtroom on Monday. Article content 'She just wants to be done and do her time.' Article content Article content Braun conned close to two dozen doulas, who professionally support pregnant women through their labour, into an emotionally wrought tale of sexual abuse, pregnancy and the loss of an imaginary baby while seeking their constant attention, support and intimate care. Article content Article content She went right back to harassing and defrauding doulas just two months after beginning a conditional sentence given to her last February in Brantford. Article content In that earlier case, Justice Robert Gee struggled with how to treat Braun, who pleaded guilty to 21 offences, including fraud, criminal harassment, false pretenses and committing an indecent act. Article content The judge eventually agreed with the Crown and defence lawyers that the best way to deal with Braun was a strict and long form of house arrest, ordering her to get dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), which assessors believe is the only way to stop her bizarre behaviour. Article content But, while Braun started working on some DBT workbooks, she didn't pursue as much help as was hoped. In April 2024 she was arrested by Hamilton police after complaints in that city. Article content Article content Hamilton's Justice Joseph Fiorucci balked when presented earlier this year with a plan to send Braun to prison for breaching probation conditions, suggesting he might 'undercut' a submission for a three-year sentence. Article content But, after hearing more details, reviewing the transcript of Braun's Brantford trial and pouring over the victim impact statements, Fiorucci said Monday he had to accept the idea. Article content 'It's not surprising,' said the judge, that no one could provide him with case law about how similar crimes have been treated.