Trial begins for Quebec man who allegedly stole car, leading to police chase and 2 injuries
A 21-year-old man is accused of stealing a car and fleeing from police, leading to a pursuit that changed two senior's lives forever when they were hit.
Farvensky Domingue allegedly stole a Toyota Highlander in the early hours of the morning on July 17, 2023. The aftermath left two men in their 60s with serious injuries.
"We’re talking about retirement plans dashed and lives changed forever," said prosecutor Stephanie Tellier at the opening of Domingue's trial on Monday.
She added one had to have a major operation. The other is in rehabilitation for back pain.
Dominique was in court handcuffed behind plexiglass. He has pleaded not guilty on charges of vehicle theft, dangerous driving and obstruction.
Dominque and two others allegedly parked the stolen car at World Gym in Rosemere then got into a white Audi.
A witness told the court she saw men acting suspiciously and called the police.
Police say officers approached the Audi with sirens and lights off, but the car suddenly accelerated and hit the victims.
Domingue wasn’t driving when the pursuit began.
His defence lawyer, François Gauthier, says he didn’t participate.
"My client did not have a level of participation in the police pursuit nor in the injuries that were caused to the two victims," Gauthier added.
Ryan Aben was behind the wheel.
He testified Monday that Domingue encouraged him to flee from the back seat.
The prosecution’s theory is Domingue did that to save himself from criminal consequences in the event of a guilty verdict.
"We’re talking about exemplary sentences here because obviously we want to dissuade other young people in similar circumstances from running away from the police," Tellier added. “It jeopardizes the safety of everyone, including themselves.”
The trial continues this week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Trump promises a 25% tariff on products from Canada, Mexico
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump said on Monday that on his first day in office he would impose a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10 per cent tariff on goods from China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the trade of illicit drugs.
Premiers seek 'urgent' meeting with Trudeau before Trump returns to White House
Canada's premiers are asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold an urgent first ministers' meeting ahead of the return to office of president-elect Donald Trump.
'It's just not fair': Retirees speak out on being excluded from federal rebate cheques
Carol Sheaves of Moncton, N.B., says it's not fair that retirees like her won't get the government's newly proposed rebate cheques. Sheaves was among the seniors who expressed their frustrations to CTVNews.ca about not being eligible for the $250 government benefit.
NDP support for part of Liberal relief package in question, as House stalemate persists
After telling Canadians that New Democrats would back Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's holiday affordability package and help pass it quickly, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh now wants it split up, as he's only ready to support part of it. Public Services Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said the Liberals are 'certainly open to working with the opposition parties,' to find a path forward.
Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C.
Andrea Arnold is used to having to slow down to let deer cross the road in her Northern B.C. community. But this weekend she saw something that made her pull over and snap a photo.
Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony
A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago.
Warren Buffett gives away another US$1.1B, announces plans for distributing $147B fortune after death
Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than US$1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death.
Canada Post says progress 'limited' at negotiating table as strike continues
Canada Post says they have made 'limited progress' with the union at the negotiating table 11 days after the strike began.
Los Angeles judge postpones hearing on release of Menendez brothers
A Los Angeles County judge on Monday postponed a hearing over the possible release of Lyle and Erik Menendez after 35 years in prison for the shotgun murder of their parents, saying he wanted to hear from a new district attorney due to take office on Dec. 3.