PORTNEUF | A former inmate explains that he made the decision to live more wisely in order to leave something to his children and to be a better role model for them.
“I ended up realizing that it was not by fighting against the system that I was going to succeed in life,” confides Patrick Audet, interviewed by The newspaper on his woodlot, in Portneuf.
The man, now 46 years old, has an extensive criminal record. Between thefts, break-ins, frauds and misdeeds, he spent many years of his life behind bars.
His dependence on alcohol and greed are responsible for a large part of these “mistakes”, according to him. However, today he says he has a lot of regrets for the actions he committed in the past.
The 46-year-old man was encountered while working on his woodlot in the Portneuf area.
Photo Stevens LeBlanc
“I stole $10,000 worth of stuff, but it cost me 3 years in prison. When you calculate it, it’s far from being profitable,” observes the man who received three federal sentences, in addition to a few provincial sentences.
Building a future
Now well established on his woodlot and at the helm of a new metal recycling company, Patrick Audet claims to be as straight as an oak tree.
In total freedom since May 2023 and completely sober, he says he much prefers the tranquility of the forest to the chaos of the prisons he frequented.
The former offender now hopes to build something that will benefit his children in the future.
Photo Stevens LeBlanc
Mr. Audet is now devoting himself to several projects to build a solid future for his family, while distancing himself from the man he was before.
“I want my guys to have something under their feet. I want to give my children a future,” explains the father of three.