Crown Seeks to Make Example of Man Who Killed Friend in Montreal Car Crash
When people read the newspapers, we want the sentence to have a real impact, prosecutor Emanuelle Chabot declared while recommending a three-year prison term for Mouad Boubakra, 20. The Crown is seeking to make an example of the young man who killed his friend when he lost control of a rented luxury car in a fatal crash more than two years ago.
Irreversible Loss and Broken Family
"I simply hope that the court understands that this loss is irreversible. A life was taken and a family is broken forever," Jessica Duré told the court in a powerful victim-impact statement. The sister of the victim, José-Louis Olivier Duré, spoke of the definitive rupture in their lives since the tragedy.
Duré's older sister Jessica expressed her ongoing grief during Thursday's hearing, stating: "That day has since marked a definitive rupture in our lives and nothing has taken its place. I was always protective of him." She also raised critical questions about how an 18-year-old with a probationary licence was able to rent a high-performance BMW X6, noting that "a vehicle like that can become a veritable weapon in inexperienced hands."
The Fatal Incident Details
Quebec Court Judge Éric Poudrier heard arguments from both prosecution and defense lawyers regarding the appropriate sentence for Boubakra, who pleaded guilty last year to reckless driving causing death. The fatal incident occurred on October 17, 2023, when Boubakra was driving well over the 50 km/h speed limit on Louis H. LaFontaine Blvd. in Rivière-des-Prairies.
According to witness accounts, Boubakra lost control of the vehicle around 8:40 on a Friday night near the intersection of Maurice-Duplessis Blvd. At least one witness told police all four wheels of the BMW appeared to be in the air before it crashed, while another estimated the vehicle was traveling at 95 km/h before Boubakra lost control. The BMW hit a curb, spun around several times, and struck a low wall. Duré died in a hospital five days after the crash.
Contrasting Sentencing Recommendations
Prosecutor Chabot emphasized the need for a sentence that would deter others from similar behavior, stating: "When people read the newspapers, we want the sentence to have a real impact, to a point where they are afraid of a sentence to be served in a federal penitentiary." She argued this would make people think twice about dangerous driving behaviors.
In contrast, defense lawyer Anthony El-Haddad argued for a significantly lighter sentence of 12 to 15 months in prison followed by one year of probation. El-Haddad emphasized that Boubakra had just turned 18 at the time of the incident and had no prior convictions, stating: "He is immature. He is impulsive. He is irresponsible. Does that make him a danger to society? Is he a young man who should be isolated from society for years? I submit no."
Defendant's Remorse and Complications
Boubakra testified during the proceedings, expressing his remorse and acknowledging the permanent consequences of his actions. "This will be with me the rest of my life," he said. "I know the consequences are irreversible." He described losing a friend "who I shared memories with, projects and a profound trust."
However, the prosecution noted complications in Boubakra's case, revealing that after being granted bail following his arrest, he was returned behind bars for multiple violations of his release conditions. This included an incident last summer when he lied to police while violating a curfew.
Awaiting Judicial Decision
Judge Poudrier is scheduled to deliver his sentencing decision by mid-March, determining how much time Boubakra will serve behind bars for the reckless driving that caused his friend's death. The case highlights ongoing concerns about young drivers operating high-performance vehicles and the judicial system's approach to sentencing in fatal traffic incidents.
Family members and loved ones of the victim referred to him simply as Olivier during their emotional statements, underscoring the personal tragedy behind the legal proceedings. The sister's question about rental policies for young drivers echoes broader societal concerns about road safety and vehicle access regulations.
