Robert Luu and Daniel Lacasse, two Saint-Laurent high school basketball coaches charged with crimes of a sexual nature committed against former students, were released Friday, but will have to comply with a long list of conditions.
Posted at 4:48 p.m.
The two coaches had been detained since February 2, after being arrested at their place of work.
Robert Luu, 31, who faces three charges including sexual assaults committed between 2014 and 2017 on a person under the age of 16, was released following his bail hearing, which took place on Wednesday.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SPVM
Robert Luu
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SPVM
Daniel Lacasse
He was detained at the Rivière-des-Prairies prison and appeared by videoconference at the Montreal courthouse.
The Crown prosecutor, Mr.and Bruno Ménard asked that he remain in detention, but Judge Yves Paradis, after having read the evidence in the file, concluded that he could be released from prison while awaiting trial.
A court order prevents the media from reporting the content of the evidence or the lawyers’ pleadings.
Normally, a judge can order that a defendant be detained until trial, if there is a risk that he will not appear in court, if he represents a danger to the public, or if the public risks lose faith in the justice system if the accused is released.
“The court heard the evidence in the file, and the guarantees that were offered by the accused, and chose to release the accused,” explained the Crown prosecutor. “The accused was released on several conditions, including not being in schools or in a position of trust or authority over minors. »
Two members of Robert Luu’s family have pledged to post $2,000 bail to allow him to regain his freedom. If the accused does not comply with his conditions, they will have to pay an additional sum of $6,000.
“In his decision, the judge placed a lot of emphasis on the presumption of innocence,” said Mr. Luu’s lawyer, Ms.and Sharon Sandiford. “And also on the fact that the rule is release. »
The lawyer added that the defendant’s family was very satisfied with the decision.
Noting Judge Paradis’ decision regarding Robert Luu, Ms.and Bruno Ménard has also decided to accept the release of Daniel Lacasse, subject to compliance with the same conditions, and the posting of a bond of $1,000.
The trainer, who appeared in person, handcuffed in the dock, faces a charge of sexually touching a teenage girl over whom he was in a position of authority, events which took place would be produced between 2010 and 2012.
“I undertake to respect them,” said the 43-year-old man, when Judge Robert Marchi asked him if he was going to comply with the conditions imposed on him.
“My client will be able to reunite with his family, he will comply with the conditions issued and it will be a return to calm for Mr. Lacasse”, commented his lawyer, Mr.and Eddy Menard.
Daniel Lacasse will return to court on March 24 for the rest of the legal process, while Robert Luu will appear in court on April 8.
Charles-Xavier Boislard, a third defendant, also a basketball coach at Saint-Laurent high school, in the borough of the same name, in Montreal, was released the day after his arrest. He will return to court on March 24.