Yves Bourdeau found guilty

Charged with impaired driving causing the death of Josée Soulière in July, 2014 in Franklin, Yves Bourdeau has been found guilty by Judge Marie-Chantal Doucet at the Valleyfield Courthouse. In addition, based on his criminal record, he could be declared a dangerous offender.

Though he claimed, throughout the proceedings, that it was his wife driving the motorcycle, Bourdeau's testimony was not credible in the eyes of the judge. For the court, the human factor alone appeared to be the probable cause of the accident that cost Josée Soulière her life on July 6, 2014 on route 202 in Franklin. To illustrate her statements, Judge Doucet informed Yves Bourdeau that he had changed his version of events during his testimony.

"When questioned, the accused stated that he didn't know what had happened, however, during cross-examination, he gave details. He appears to have a selective memory," remarked the Judge.  

The Judge also mentioned that, at the time of the incident, the accused had a blood alcohol concentration of.117 mg of alcohol to 100 ml blood and did not have a driver's licence for a motorcycle in spite of the fact that he owned one.

"I cannot ignore your eight criminal convictions for similar charges over the last 20 years. Furthermore, you have been arrested seven times while driving even though your licence had been revoked," the judge indicated to the accused, a few minutes before rendering her decision.

Yves Bourdeau will receive his sentence on July 5 at 9:30 a.m. The crown requested that the reckless driver undergo an evaluation because his previous offences could result in his being deemed a dangerous offender or a long term offender.

The victim's mother relieved

Josée Soulière's mother was present at the trial and stated that she was relieved by Judge Marie-Chantal Doucet's ruling. "It will not bring back Josée, but I hope that Yves Bourdeau receives a harsh sentence," stated Nicole Primeau. I never believed his  version. I know that my daughter would never have driven his motorcycle. Now we have to turn the page, but it is very hard for us and for Josée's children."

Translated by Cathleen Johnston