Former anti-mask leader Mario Roy avoids prison due to his “psychological difficulties” and his apparent regrets. He was sentenced Wednesday to 10 months in home prison for twice blocking the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine bridge-tunnel with his Farfadaas accomplices during the pandemic.
“Although his regrets are somewhat lacking in conviction, the accused does not represent a risk or danger to the community,” determined Judge Jean-Jacques Gagné. The magistrate thus rejected the suggestion of six months in prison requested by the public prosecutor. The charges were filed by summary procedure, therefore of less seriousness.
Mario Roy was at the time an influential member of Farfadaas, an anti-sanitary measures group. According to the judge, he was the “undisputed leader” of the two misdeeds committed in the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine bridge-tunnel in 2020. In order to denounce alleged “police brutality”, the Farfadaas blocked traffic in the tunnel . A maneuver which “intimidated” motorists and prevented them from enjoying this road.
Even if Mario Roy has a criminal record, it is not necessary to incarcerate him for such a crime, judges Gagné, recalling that suspended imprisonment (at home) represents a real prison sentence. Firm detention would “further precarize” Mario Roy’s situation, according to the judge.
The magistrate vaguely mentioned Mario Roy’s “psychological difficulties” to justify this sentence, without specifying his thoughts. The judge also made no mention of the psychiatrist Pierre “Doc” Mailloux, who had testified in defense. The controversial expert explained that Mario Roy had experienced “deep despair” during his incarceration.
“This incarceration broke him psychologically, broke him, demolished him. No treatment other than avoiding any incarceration for medical reasons and favoring his haven of peace,” concluded “Doc” Mailloux.
The psychiatrist also insisted on a strip search carried out in “the presence of three women”. “It shook him up extremely deeply,” the psychiatrist said.
During his 10-month detention, Mario Roy will have to stay at home at all times for the first five months, except to work and for a few exceptions. He will then be subject to a curfew for five months. He will be prohibited from communicating with his co-defendants, former Farfadaas. The judge made no mention of a ban on social media. He will have to pay $3,000 to charity.
Judge Gagné warned Mario Roy not to “stretch the rubber band” regarding his conditions of detention.
“I have been very patient with you during the legal process. […] I don’t have a crystal ball, but if you play rubber band and end up with lapses, the chances of me being as patient as I have been in the past are slim. The ball is in your court,” the judge concluded.
Mario Roy did not want to react after the sentence. Before the hearing, the tone had risen with the media in the press scrum.