A 23-year-old man convicted of dangerous driving has been released under supervision.
In July 2010, Laurent Raymond was speeding, burning lights and drinking in the Town of Mount-Royal when he slammed his car into a tree, severely injuring his three passengers, 16-year-old Claudia Di Iorio, Evelyn Methot and Justine Rozon.
He originally faced several charges, including drunk driving, but as part of a plea bargain ended up pleading guilty to a single charge of dangerous driving.
Raymond was sentenced to three years behind bars for his crime, but only served one in prison.
After serving two thirds of his sentence, including one year in a transition home, the Parole Board of Canada has released Raymond, on condition he not drive for five years, and that he not contact his victims.
Those victims are still living with their injuries, including Justine Rozon,who had to have part of her intestine removed and just underwent a transplant four months ago. She's now in Toronto recovering from a transplant and must be fed with a tube.
Claudia Di Iorio suffered spinal cord injuries and had to have her pelvis reconstructed.
Di Iorio’s father Nicola, and those of the other victims, say they have no choice but to move on and work on sensitizing young drivers and passengers.
“Let's put the emphasis on other potential Laurent Raymonds. Let's have an eye. What's important is to have an exit strategy on the potential victim. The victims need to have an exit strategy,” said the elder Di Iorio.
In its report, the Parole Board of Canada states that Raymond has become more mature and more empathetic.
