The Crown is seeking a prison sentence of 12 to 14 years for Jonathan Roussel, a 23-year-old Beauceron who lured around thirty young teenage girls he met on TikTok or Snapchat and even sexually assaulted some of them.
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Jonathan Roussel's file is extensive.
23 guilty pleas to sexual charges and 8 more to breaching orders. Luring, three counts of sexual assault, production of child pornography, sexual contact, harassment, among others. Actions that take place over more than three years.
Above all, there were 32 victims who were between 11 and 18 years old at the time of the crime. Several young girls have had their lives broken by the death of the accused, which will never be the same again. Through social networks, he met teenage girls whose trust he exploited and sometimes even let hang out with a potential lover.
Smaller victims he turned to to satisfy his urges. Because it is simply “easier,” explained Crown Prosecutor Marie-Andrée Veilleux while observing the sentence to be imposed on Roussel at the Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce courthouse.
“He has imposed suffering upon us.”
Four of the victims appeared before Judge Thomas Jacques on Wednesday to testify about the impact of the crime on their lives. Several others attended the hearing virtually, while others wrote letters to share their suffering.
The judge repeatedly praised her courage in denouncing and opposing the trial. A difficult process for these broken young women.
“I was fine before,” one of them insisted, recalling his personality and smile that led to panic attacks and mutilations. “He has imposed suffering and pain on us. We can never forget the traces that remain in our heads, in our hearts, on our bodies.”
It was precisely because of these serious consequences for the victims that the Crown Prosecutor requested a prison sentence of 12 to 14 years.
Marie-Andrée Veilleux pointed out that the pre-sentence report showed a “far above average” risk of recidivism and the use of manipulation and breach of trust to achieve his goals.
“For some victims, he says in the report, 'I knew she didn't want it.'” But he continued. […] He admits that he took advantage of her vulnerability,” denounces the prosecutor.
get help
In defense, Me Daniel Cliche suggested to the judge that his client be given a sentence of two years from today. This period would be in addition to the three years and nine months he has already served in prison since his arrest, making a total prison term of almost six years.
In particular, the lawyer insisted that the sentence carries a maximum suspended sentence of three years to help Jonathan Roussel heal his sexual problems.
“If the intensive therapy recommended by the expert who analyzed him has not helped him, he will be at the same point, the situation risks being the same,” warned Me Cliche, recalling the young age of his client, who 23 years old is old today. “Without trivializing the measures he has taken, it is important that he also receives the help he needs.”
Judge Thomas Jacques deliberated on the case and will announce his decision on April 18.