MONTREAL - A 22-year-old man has pleaded guilty to hit and run causing the death of Ronia Mansourian.
The teenager was in a crosswalk near her Laval high school on Sept. 3, 2010 when Robert Belanger ran her down.
Since Belanger has pleaded guilty and avoided a trial, the next step is for the judge to deliver a verdict, which is expected to be rendered in July.
Belanger's defence lawyer is asking for leniency, but there are many signs that may not be justified.
The maximum sentence for dangerous driving causing death is 14 years, and Ronia's aunt hopes the judge throws the book at Belanger.
"We are happy, and we are not," said Marie Tatazian. "We are happy with the law and we are going to wait until the 26 of July to see what's going to happen."
History of poor driving
When Belanger struck and killed Ronia, 15, he was driving without a valid license.
In fact, Belanger has never had a valid driver's license in his life. He has always been driving on a learner's permit, which had been suspended nine times for offences such as speeding, crossing double-white lines.
He also had 24 suspensions for not paying his fines and not doing community work.
Belanger also has a lengthy record with convictions for theft, drug possession, and leading police on a high speed chase.
The day of the collision he was awaiting trial for fraud.
Belanger fled the scene and tried to hide the evidence, only submitting to police custody 12 hours after the crash.
Ronia died the next morning of her injuries.
