The 21-year-old man accused of violently assaulting a 10-year-old girl on Monday in Pointe-aux-Trembles will be detained at the Philippe-Pinel Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, where he will undergo a series of assessments. “Very shaken”, the girl’s family is still reassured that the man is not free.
Updated yesterday at 5:23 p.m.
“We want to make sure that the criminal, the monster, will not come out, that he will not be released on conditions. It is a public danger, ”hammered the aunt of the victim, in a scrum on Wednesday at the courthouse, shortly before the appearance of the accused.
His niece, whose identity is still protected by a publication ban, “is better”, but is still “in shock”. “It’s going to take time,” she slipped, speaking of her physical and psychological recovery. “He’s a victim. She didn’t deserve this. »
Many members of the victim’s family were also present at the courthouse on Wednesday. The girl’s mother was however absent, because she is still for the moment “at her bedside” in a hospital center.
Assessments to do
It was therefore under the watchful eye of the family that Tanvir Singh, charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, appeared by videoconference in late afternoon. He will be detained at the Philippe-Pinel Institute of Forensic Psychiatry until his return to court on March 23. The accused already underwent a first assessment on Wednesday in connection with possible mental health problems, by a criminologist.
This first assessment showed that it was “necessary”, according to the Crown prosecutor, Ms.and Annabelle Sheppard, to conduct a second assessment to determine if he is fit to stand trial. If so, his criminal liability will then be assessed. If unable to stand trial, Singh will remain in custody until he recovers. In the opposite case, he will return again to the Philippe-Pinel Institute, but this time for a period of 30 days, where his criminal responsibility will be assessed.
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, THE PRESS
Mand Annabelle Sheppard, Crown Attorney
Dressed in a black t-shirt, a mask and a pair of headphones, the accused seemed to understand what he was being ordered, notably responding “yes, sir” to the judge, who was explaining the procedure to him. .
The Crown, it ensures to be in constant contact with the family. “It is at the heart of our concerns to ensure both for the young victim and for his family that they have the best accompaniment and the best possible support”, noted Mr.and Shepard. At the exit of the courthouse, a relative of the victim indicated at the end of the day that the fact that the accused remained detained was reassuring for everyone. “It’s a danger to society, that’s for sure,” he said in turn.
Violent aggression
The attack in question in this case occurred on boulevard du Tricentenaire, near rue Notre-Dame, around 11:30 a.m. Monday. Two young girls “were traveling on a sidewalk when they were approached by a 21-year-old man who suddenly attacked a young girl by beating her”, said the spokesperson for the Montreal police at the time. , Raphael Bergeron.
Passers-by then intervened to put an end to the attack. Almost at the same time, patrol officers passing by intervened and arrested the man. Transported to the hospital, the victim suffered in particular from a nervous shock and had been seriously injured, having received several blows to the head. However, his life was not threatened.
A citizen present Wednesday at the courthouse, Kodjo Amovin, deplored the lack of reaction from some elected officials. “Whether at the federal, provincial or municipal level, there must be prompt reactions when serious situations like this happen, so that the population feels reassured and that we can continue to trust our elected officials and in government,” he said.
“Our peace of mind as parents regarding the safety of our children on the streets of Montreal, even on their way to school, has once again been seriously shaken. We demand justice at its fair value, because it is unacceptable that the lives of our children are constantly in danger and are delivered to the mercy of offenders or aggressors whose place is in prison, “also said another citizen, Jean David E. ‘ngazi.
Crowdfunding campaign
On Tuesday, host Kim Rusk set up an online crowdfunding campaign to support the relatives of the young victim. Nearly $35,300 has already been raised.