A man in his 40s from Rouyn-Noranda has been sentenced to two years less a day in prison for two charges of sexually touching a child under the age of 16.
The accused, François Rioux-Pomerleau, had pleaded guilty to both counts brought against him. The alleged facts occurred at two different periods, between June 2010 and December 2012, according to what was reported to the court.
The attorneys for the prosecution and the defense arrived at a common suggestion for the sentence, pointing out that Mr. Rioux-Pomerleau had taken several steps, including therapeutic follow-up, in order to understand why he had acted in this way.
Upon his release from prison, the accused will have to respect a two-year probation during which he must refrain from coming into contact with the victim and leave any public place where he is. He will also be on the sex offender registry for 20 years.
The victim testifies, the accused apologizes
Before Judge Hubert Couture pronounces the sentence, Thursday at the Rouyn-Noranda courthouse, the victim gave a testimony. Despite the years that have passed, she still suffers the impact of the actions that have been taken against her.
She mentions that, in her interpersonal relationships, she finds it very difficult to trust people, both with her family and with the wider social sphere. She also suffers from sleep disturbances.
François Rioux-Pomerleau offered his sincere apologies to the victim and his family.
Judge Couture insisted on the courage of the victim to have denounced her attacker and to have come to testify in court. He also addressed the accused:
” You will understand that there is a margin between your excuses and the courage of Madame. “
The magistrate underlined the seriousness of the crime and the evolution of mentalities in the justice system in the face of what the victims are going through.
“Today, the courts are aware of what people can say,” said Judge Couture after the victim’s testimony.
Source: Radio-Canada
