The violent ex-spouse of influencer Elisabeth Rioux, Bryan McCormick, will have to serve a six-month prison sentence, followed by three years probation during which he will not be able to communicate with the victim or his relatives. , nor mention it on social networks.
Posted at 11:06 a.m.
” I believe that [la peine] is reasonable. We have to send that message. We put you away from society for a time, to denounce this kind of crime which is serious, “said judge Nancy McKenna, of the Court of Quebec, during a hearing held Tuesday morning, in Saint- Jerome.
Saying to bet on “rehabilitation”, Justice McKenna added that “there is no room for revenge in our system”. The magistrate thus went to the arguments of the Crown and the defence, who had agreed to an agreement on the sentence.
It was in 2020 that the businesswoman and influencer Elisabeth Rioux had denounced the violence of which she was the victim on the part of her spouse, with whom she appeared abundantly on social networks. The acts committed began in November 2019 and continued for more than a year, even after the birth of their child, in the summer of 2020. shoot a bullet in the head, “said McCormick in particular to Elisabeth Rioux, in addition to being physically violent with her on several occasions.
Last December, Bryan McCormick pleaded guilty to three counts of death threats, mischief and assault for acts committed in the context of domestic violence. The joint agreement, however, allowed a conditional stay of proceedings for four other counts of forcible confinement, harassment and harassing communications, as well as assault with a weapon.
He apologizes to Elisabeth Rioux
In an address to the court shortly before sentencing, McCormick “apologized to Elisabeth, even though I can’t talk to her.” “I guess this is where I can say it, so I apologize from the bottom of my heart,” he said in the absence of his victim, who was not present by choice. , tuesday.
“I did a lot of work on myself, behind the scenes, alone in Chibougamau, to recharge my batteries and work on emotional intelligence. I will continue on my own, both in prison and afterwards, to improve myself as a person and become a better spouse for the person with whom I will share my life afterwards,” insisted the culprit again.
McCormick also acknowledged that “the emotions in me are very intense, as much in joy as in sadness and anger”. “Often, even if we know how to act, when we are immersed in certain situations, it is very difficult. It’s not an exact science. Knowing how to act in difficult situations is something I didn’t have as a tool. »
“Send a clear message”
For three and a half years, McCormick will have to refrain from communicating directly with Elisabeth Rioux and her relatives, not harass her, not refer to her on any social media, nor be at her place of residence, work or residence. ‘studies. He will also be prohibited from owning a weapon.
Bryan McCormick will also have to follow the directives of a probation officer in connection with any therapy relating to a problem of violence, to “understand the demons that inhabit him”. The judge also orders him to follow anger and emotional management therapy.
Among the mitigating factors, defense counsel, Mr.e Philippe Comtois, cited the fact that his client has no history of domestic violence, that he pleaded guilty to avoid a trial and that he is still an “asset” for the company, holding a job in Chibougamau . “There will never be a sentence that will repair the crimes completely. But we must send a clear message to society that this type of offense will not be repeated. One of the purposes of sentencing is deterrence,” said Mr.e Comtois.
The Crown prosecutor, Mr.e Fanny Dubois-Grondin, for her part, insisted that the courts must demonstrate that they “are ready to respond with firm detention, even if we are talking about an individual who has no prior record in of violence”, in order to “demonstrate that society does not tolerate domestic violence at all”. “There is a shift in sexual violence. Some will say it’s too late, but I think it’s never too late,” added Justice McKenna.