An eight month jail term is being recommended for the SQ officer found guilty of dangerous driving causing the death of a 5-year-old boy in St. Hubert over four years ago.
The crown and the defence made that joint recommendation today at the Longueuil courthouse for Patrick Ouellet, saying it was appropriate and in line with similar cases. They also recommended a one year driving ban for Ouellet when he gets out of jail.
Ouellet was taking part in a surveillance operation for the anti-corruption UPAC unit in February 2014 when he was driving well over 100 km/h in a 50 zone, smashing into the car carrying Nicholas Thorne-Belance, his sister and their father.
Sentencing args today for SQ officer Patrick Ouellet, guilty of dangerous driving causing 2014 death of 5-yr-old Nicholas Thorne Belance in Longueuil. Ouellet was part of surveillance tailing op doing over 100 km/h in 50 zone when he slammed into car carrying victim. #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/MIHvNf4gSi
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) October 22, 2018
While reading out her victim impact statement, Stephanie Thorne often became emotional describing the loss of her son.
Thorne said her son "had a contagious laugh, seemed to be always smiling and knew how to brighten a room with his charismatic charm."
Thorne said "all the things he could have done or been or the potential to bring happiness to so many people, they will never know."
"We have all lost a shining star."
Stéphanie Thorne, mom of victim Nicholas Thorne Belance victim impact statement: when she saw him in hospital, didn't recognize his face - huge bandage, head swollen, tubes helping him breathe.Told him: "Love you baby, need you to be strong for mama." Her voice cracks. #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/j8jYi3UU8l
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) October 22, 2018
Thorne said she, her husband and her daughter were all diagnosed with PTSD, went through therapy and still have trouble dealing with their grief.
Thorne told the court how she started crying at a recent wedding, thinking about her son.
"Every little thing reminds me of what I won't have with him," said Thorne.
Thorne's sister, now in CEGEP, also described the impact on her life, saying she had panic attacks four times a week and felt stressed everytime she heard sirens - "an irrational fear that they will pick up someone I love."
Stéphanie Thorne mom of victim Nicholas Thorne Belance says the day her son drew his last breath: "Can't tell you how mad I was at the world for taking my son away." That their lives were also taken away that day. She says house was so empty, his little voice was gone. #CJAD800
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) October 22, 2018
Ouellet apologized to the family in a statement he read out to the court, expressing his "sincere condolences" and turning to look at Thorne as he said it.
Ouellet said there are no words for all the sadness and sympathy he had for them.
Oeullet, his voice breaking, said in his statement that every time he drives with his kids, every time a vehicle speeds by them, he is painfully reminded of the accident and made more aware about speeding and the "fragility of life."
Ouellet ended his statement by saying that "no police mission is worth the loss of a human life."
The judge renders his decision late next month.
Lawyer for SQ officer Patrick Ouellet reading out letters of support/character from friends, family,colleagues: passionate about work, devoted family man who was solid, level-headed. Now dealing with memory loss,short attention span,emotional when talking about victim. #CJAD800
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) October 22, 2018