A Montreal driver who killed a pedestrian while travelling at more than double the speed limit has been sentenced to serve his time in the community, a Quebec court ruled on Thursday.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Salman Rahman, now 23, was 20 years old on the evening of September 20, 2022, when the tragic event unfolded. Rahman was driving a friend's Mercedes-Benz in the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough. On Hochelaga Street, he struck and killed 32-year-old Francis Lemieux.
According to evidence presented in court, an expert in road accident analysis estimated Rahman's speed at a staggering 87 kilometres per hour. This occurred in a zone with a posted speed limit of just 40 km/h. The incident happened on a rainy night, and the court heard that Rahman had passed another vehicle on the right-hand side just prior to the collision.
The Court's Sentence and Reasoning
At the Montreal courthouse on December 18, 2025, Quebec Court Judge Flavia Longo delivered the sentence. Rahman, who had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death earlier in the year, received a 17-month sentence to be served in the community.
The sentence includes a strict six-month period of house arrest, followed by the remainder of the term under community conditions. After the 17 months, Rahman will be subject to two years of probation.
Judge Longo cited several mitigating factors in her decision. She noted Rahman's young age, his current status as a student at Dawson College who is holding down a job, and a professional assessment that deemed him a low risk to reoffend. The judge also acknowledged that Lemieux was crossing the street "illegally" near a construction zone at the time of the accident.
Prosecution and Defence Positions
The sentence followed differing recommendations from the Crown and the defence during sentencing arguments held in September. Prosecutor Sylvie Dulude had sought a custodial sentence of two years less a day. In contrast, defence lawyer Kaven Morasse argued for a non-custodial sentence that his client could serve while remaining in the community.
Rahman, who resides with his parents in Brossard, was present in court with his lawyer to receive the judgment.
The case highlights the severe consequences of speeding and dangerous driving in urban areas, resulting in an irreversible loss of life and a lasting impact on all involved.
