By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

A 16-year-old was killed.

His stepmother, Soulanges MNA Marilyne Picard, said the accused – the deceased’s best friend – has suffered enough, and needs help more than he needs prison.

Twenty-three-year-old Julien Ségaux of St. Lazare was sentenced, last week, to house arrest and community service.

In December, 2021, Ségaux was behind the wheel of a Honda Civic with a blood alcohol level of nearly double the legal amount. High speed was also a factor in the crash on Sources near Highway 20 in Pointe Claire.

The car hit a guard rail and then fell several metres. Noah-Leewis Mercier, 16 years old, was severely injured in the crash, and died in hospital three days later.

Ségaux was also seriously injured. He was thrown from the vehicle, ending up in a three-week coma. He still suffers the ill effects of the accident, including cognitive issues. He cannot follow a conversation, has problems with memory retention, and cannot work or study.

Last year he pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing a death. The crown had asked for a sentence of two years less a day in prison.

“The unique elements in the case have such weight that they clearly favour rehabilitation,” Judge Jean-Jacques Gagné said last Thursday in court, as he sentenced Ségaux to house arrest, plus community service.

The judge acknowledged that Ségaux did show remorse, apologizing to the victim’s family

For the first year of the sentence Ségaux will be confined to his home, with 200 hours of community service in the second year. He will be permitted to leave for such matters as medical appointments.

He is also prohibited from driving for the next five years. n