Yan Bédard, 23, sentenced to one year in prison for having threatened his ex-spouse with death, will be released on Friday under conditions, including that of wearing an anti-reconciliation bracelet. A first in Quebec!
The facts for which Yan Bédard was sentenced occurred in October 2021. It was at this time that the young man attacked the one who shared his life.
Immediately afterwards, he was remanded in custody pending his trial last April, at the end of which the judge imposed a prison sentence on him.
Because he has already served two-thirds of his sentence, Yan Bédard was to be automatically released on Friday. A hearing was held this week to determine the terms.
On the advice of a lawyer
The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) fearing for the safety of the victim suggested that he be forced to wear an anti-reconciliation bracelet, in addition to other restrictions on use.
For example, communicating your address to the judicial services, appearing in court when requested, not possessing weapons, etc.
Yan Bédard initially refused this injunction. The judge then advised her to discuss the matter with a lawyer from legal aid – her lawyer not participating in the proceedings due to health problems.
After taking advice from the said lawyer, the young man reconsidered his decision.
Yan Bédard will therefore recover his freedom on Friday, his ankle encircled with an anti-reconciliation bracelet that he will have to wear night and day, from Monday to Sunday. Therefore, if he approaches his ex-spouse within a radius of 1 km, the signal of his bracelet will be triggered.
Yan Bédard has indicated that he will contest the measure. In the meantime, he will be the first convicted of domestic violence in Quebec to be equipped with such a device.
A request for an anti-reconciliation bracelet had previously been filed in another case. It was not applied insofar as the judge refused to release the prisoner concerned.
Based on information from Isabelle Richet
Source: Radio-Canada
