Three months after the fatal altercation on Highway 55 that claimed the life of a father, defendant Daniel Matteau pleaded guilty. The victim’s family wanted to be heard in court.
In turn, the throat constricted by the emotions of loved ones took the floor to express their pain and the emptiness they feel. The defendant listened with his head bowed and shed tears.
The victim’s father wrote: “Part of me was ripped away. I will never be able to forgive the accused. His decision to consume and take control will have destroyed several lives.
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Daniel Matteau receives five years in prison. On April 7, Firmin Côté, father of four, was returning from work in his car when he was struck by that of Daniel Matteau, who was traveling in the opposite direction on Highway 55.
The accused apologized to people close to Firmin Coté.
“I know it will never be enough for you. The wrong person died in the accident, it should have been me,” said Daniel Matteau.
Daniel Matteau wanted to settle his case quickly. It has to be said that the evidence was important.
According to the Crown, he drove ten kilometers in the opposite direction on the Autobahn and had a blood alcohol level that was 2.4 times the legal limit. He would have had nine beers and nine shooters at the bar.
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Leaving the crime scene, he is caught on camera and in an advanced state of intoxication. His past as a drunk driver also played a role.
Judge Annie Vanasse insisted on delivering an exemplary verdict. In addition to a five-year prison sentence, he will be banned from driving for ten years after his release.
Now the mourning for Firmin Coté’s family begins. On Wednesday afternoon, relatives gathered at the scene of the accident. A cross was erected on Highway 55 to commemorate the victim.
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