Lawyers for retired Quebec teacher convicted of sex offences present sentencing arguments
Robert Charpentier has always denied the crimes, but he was found guilty of sexual assault against two former students at the Emmanuel Christian School in the Island of Montreal suburb of Dollard-des Ormeaux on Dec. 13.
In December, crown prosecutors presented their sentencing recommendations, and on Thursday, Charpentier's lawyers presented their case.
The crimes happened in the 80s and 90s, and the crown prosecution asked that he serve two-and-a-half years in prison.
The defence, on the other hand, asked for a conditional sentenced to be served at home.
It's a sentence the prosecution finds unacceptable.
"I think that what's important in that type of crime, the message we have to send is that it's jail time," crown prosecutor Anna Levin told CTV News outside the courtroom, adding that the Quebec Court of Appeal has already established that sex crimes involving children called for detention, except in very rare circumstances.
Charpentier's lawyer argued that the victim impact statements amount to unsubstantiated accusations, suggesting the victims overdramatized what happened and that there was no physical contact.
They were arguments that left the victims shaking their heads.
"He's still saying he's not guilty," said Levin. "It's his absolute right, but he was found guilty."
Charpentier's team also argued that there was no evidence that substance abuse problems that later developed with one of the victims were related to the assaults.
Charpentier faces a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, but there is no minimum, leaving the judge to decide if Charpentier will be locked up or serve his time in the community.
The decision is expected on May 30.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most wanted fugitive in Canada arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
The most wanted fugitive in Canada was arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Tuesday night.
Poilievre unrepentant over calling Trudeau 'wacko' as his MPs say Speaker should resign
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he does not regret calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'wacko,' and now his MPs are renewing calls for the House of Commons Speaker to resign, this time over ordering the Official Opposition leader to leave the chamber.
How can I tell if I have norovirus? Expert explains symptoms
The highly contagious norovirus is spreading across Canada, with some symptoms overlapping with other viruses. CTVNews.ca spoke with a health expert to find out how you can tell you have norovirus, the most common form of stomach flu, and what to do if you have it.
Doctors dealing with at least 160 Canadians suffering eye damage possibly linked to looking at the eclipse
Nearly a month after the total solar eclipse, at least 160 cases of eye damage have been reported across the country.
Ontario's police watchdog continues probe of high-speed pursuit involving fatal crash
The investigation continues into a collision that killed two grandparents and their infant grandchild during a high-speed police chase on the wrong way of Highway 401 east of Toronto.
Stranded cruise passengers in Spain race to catch up with their ship
A month after eight Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were stranded in Africa when their ship left without them because they were late getting back, a U.S. couple – ages 84 and 81 – were also left behind by the cruise line in Spain.
Blair says he couldn't sell cabinet on meeting 'magical threshold' of NATO target
Defence Minister Bill Blair says he couldn't convince the Liberal cabinet that Canada's government needed to meet NATO's spending target in its recent defence policy update.
BREAKING London Drugs stores remain closed for 4th straight day after 'cybersecurity incident'
Dozens of London Drugs stores in Western Canada remained closed for the fourth straight day following a "cybersecurity incident."
No criminal charges after 4 newborn bodies found in Boston freezer
A prosecutor in Massachusetts won't seek criminal charges against anyone, two years after four newborns were found in a freezer in a South Boston apartment.