Sentencing arguments were held on February 10 for Michael Kane, who pleaded guilty to one count of sexual contact with a person under the age of 14. While the Crown is seeking 15 months and registration as a sex offender for the Châteauguay resident, the defense is suggesting 90 days of intermittent detention and community service.
Translation Amanda Bennett
The alleged acts were committed in 2009 when Kane was involved in the Scout movement and employed at a private boys’ college. The victim was between 9 and 10 years old when the contact took place at the accused’s residence.
The complaint was made in 2022 by the young man, who has since taken his own life.
Convicted in 2009
Michael Kane has already served two years in prison for similar offenses that also occurred in 2009. Four victims reported his actions at the time.
All of them involved the same modus operandi, with Kane abusing his position of trust and authority, according to Mylène Brown, representing the public prosecutor.
The Châteauguay resident has since undergone therapy, which is still ongoing, according to defense attorney Jacques Vinet.
The parents of the most recent plaintiff said that their son had lived his entire life with “demons” that did not belong to him.
“He wasn’t alone in this storm; we were all going through it,” his mother read in court during a previous hearing. Our other children also suffered. They saw their big brother slowly fade away. He was taken from them too. »
Deviance
According to Mr. Brown, the perpetrator could have sought help between the ages of 14 and 39, as he exhibited significant deviance that manifested itself in controlling behavior.
“He had his first victims, who were not prosecuted, during his childhood and adolescence. It was only at the age of 41, in 2009, when he was caught and sentenced, that he began therapy,” said the prosecutor.
In his defense, attorney Jacques Vinet explained that his client had shown remorse and regret and was well aware that his victim had been affected and disturbed.
The sexologist’s report also attests to the low risk of recidivism, which is considered very low. This is particularly because 17 years have passed since the alleged events.
Mr. Kane continues his therapy with a specialist; more than 100 sessions have taken place since his release from prison.
Judge Bertrand St-Arnaud will render his decision on May 20.
