Michael Villeneuve was sentenced to two years less than a day in prison for the guns he fired during a fight in the Sullivan neighborhood of Val-d’Or in 2020.
The 52-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts Thursday morning at the Val-d’Or courthouse. He was guilty of negligent use of a distress rifle and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Michael Villeneuve, representing himself in court Thursday morning, admitted firing two distress shots into the air and a .12 caliber bullet into the fender of a vehicle, Sept. 17, 2020. He then tried to force three individual leaving the house where a violent feud broke out over his disappearance.
The prosecutor, Me Jonathan Tondreau, presented Judge Thierry Potvin with a joint proposal discussed previously with the defendant’s former attorney.
Pursuant to this agreement, the prosecution presented no evidence regarding the most serious allegations filed against Michael Villeneuve, such as the issuance of a weapon to a person with intent to injure, harm or endanger his or her life. This case, in which he was acquitted, could get him at least four years in prison.
” Although the offense was videotaped by a neighbor and therefore Mr. Villeneuve was caught in the act, with elements of possible self -defense in this file. “
“Defendant made representations that he panicked and acted first to defend a victim, which was considered in the joint motion,” Me Tondreau explained in court.
In addition to two years less than a day in prison [une sentence qui lui permettra de purger sa peine dans un centre de détention provincial]Michaël Villeneuve will have to undergo one year of probation and he will be banned from possessing firearms for 10 years.
Source: Radio-Canada
