An ex-mixed martial arts fighter guilty of extreme domestic violence has failed to convince the court that identifying as a trans woman lowers his risk of recidivism enough to avoid the offender label dangerous. He was also sentenced to 15 years in prison.
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“Matthew Jody Burke is a dangerous offender, unable to deviate from his violent conduct towards intimate partners. He’s a manipulator, his schemes [de changement de sexe] are opportunists,” commented Judge Jean-Jacques Gagné this Friday at the Montreal courthouse, while calling for the protection of women.
Burke, 47, hoped to get away with much less punishment. Because according to him, the fact that he now identified as a trans woman made him less dangerous, since his crimes had been committed while he was a personal trainer and he then considered himself a heterosexual man.
“He constantly doubted their fidelity and accused them of wanting to seduce other men,” said a court document.
Burke first presented himself as a great romantic, before submitting his victims to his will. Among other things, he told them how to dress, and closely supervised all their social interactions.
When they did not obey him, he could strangle them so that they fainted, or even threaten them with death. He’s already attacked them with a knife.
Recidivist
Burke had been convicted in Ontario in 2005 and in Vancouver in 2014, but he reoffended in Montreal in 2017. It was in this last case that a judge found him guilty of assault and sexual assault. weapons and causing injury, but also death threats.
“We must underline the patience, resilience, courage and moderation of Brigitte Jobin”, a victim of Burke, who had written a letter to the court to speak about the impact of the crimes on her.
A few days ago, Burke allegedly mutilated his genitals, although the extent of his injuries is unclear. This decision, which required an emergency operation, follows his refused request to be transferred to a detention center for women.
“[Burke] hope to have support,” said his lawyer M.e Veronique Talbot.