A bachelor party in Thetford Mines escalated into a violent incident, resulting in Patrick Toussaint receiving an 18-month prison sentence for aggravated assault and his cousin Martin Roussin-Bizier facing six months of house arrest along with 100 hours of community service. The altercation began when Roussin-Bizier made inappropriate advances towards women, leading to a confrontation where Toussaint severely injured a friend of the victims. Both men have appealed their convictions, highlighting the incident’s profound emotional and physical impact on the victims.
Consequences of a Bachelor Party Gone Wrong
A bachelor party that spiraled out of control has resulted in severe repercussions for two individuals from Thetford Mines. One of them, Patrick Toussaint, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in an aggravated assault, while his cousin, Martin Roussin-Bizier, faces a six-month house arrest and is required to complete 100 hours of community service.
The Incident Unfolds
What began as a celebratory occasion for Martin Roussin-Bizier quickly turned into a life-altering event. On the night of September 10 to 11, 2022, Martin, dressed in women’s clothing for his bachelor party, made inappropriate advances towards two young women. His actions sparked outrage and led to a confrontation.
Félix Bouchard-Jean, a friend of the victims, sought to address the situation and confronted Roussin-Bizier. In a shocking turn of events, Toussaint intervened and struck Bouchard-Jean with a metal cane, leaving him unconscious and with severe injuries, including a fractured skull. Judge Sarah-Julie Chicoine condemned the attack, stating that the victim was in a vulnerable position and had no means of defending himself.
The incident, which was captured on video by a bystander, has left lasting scars on all involved, highlighting the grave consequences of reckless behavior during a night meant for celebration.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
Both offenders have appealed their guilty verdicts, which were delivered in January 2024. The Crown had sought prison sentences for both men, emphasizing their lack of prior criminal records but the seriousness of the offenses. Defense attorneys presented contrasting arguments regarding the appropriate penalties, with Toussaint’s lawyer advocating for community service instead of prison time.
During the trial, the victims shared the profound impact the assault had on their lives. Bouchard-Jean expressed his frustration and anger towards the two men, noting that the assault has hindered his academic pursuits due to the physical and emotional toll it has taken. Judge Chicoine acknowledged the significant effects on his future plans, reinforcing the need for accountability in such cases.