Relatives of an accused who wanted to become an informant and was found on social media have filed a civil suit for $226,000 against Longueuil police who they accuse of endangering their lives.
• Read more: A former political associate of Christian Dubé is running for CAQ in Jacques-Cartier
• Read more: Longueuil: A pedestrian in critical condition
• Read more: Suspect arrested for “grandparent” scam in Longueuil
“Since the recording of the trial was leaked [ses proches] Fear for their safety on a daily basis. The negligence of the investigator, the failure to correct important information, caused them serious problems”, we can read in the court document made public this Monday in the Montreal court.
The case came last summer when Longueuil police arrested a teenager in the DIX30 district of Brossard in connection with a gun case. Questioned by an investigator, the accused later offered to cooperate with the police.
“Let me help you,” he said. I will take you back to them [des criminels] Because you arrested me that day with a small gun. Do you want five or six guns? Would you like to get some real guns?”
The juvenile, who cannot be named here due to a court order, said, “AgreementWith the crown.
No reduction
However, in the following days, an extract from the trial ended up on social networks, where he was considered an informant. His identity was revealed.
“Very evening of flight […]Montreal police officers were contacted [les proches de l’accusé]Explain to them that they are at risk,” the court document reads.
Doubts about the origin of the leak point to a co-accused who accessed the interrogation video. However, according to people close to the accused, the extract in question should have been redacted. In fact, it was done for the transcript, they say, accusing the police of doing the wrong thing.
During a plea in court, a judge also issued harsh criticism to the government.
“[L’État et la police de Longueuil] There was a duty to protect personal information whose disclosure compromised the security of the applicant, Justice Louis Leduc pointed out. The disputed information must have been taken from any source. selection [de l’affaire] leading to the conclusion that both the investigator and the respondent were at fault.
These mistakes had devastating consequences for those close to the accused.
consequences
In addition to having to use the witness protection program for a few days “at the express request of the Montreal police,” some relatives had to barricade themselves indoors because of the threat. The defendant’s mother would have known then that a deal had been put on her head.
“Following the directions of the police [les proches] no longer leave their homes alone,” the civil suit says.
The pressure was so strong that relatives who lived in Montreal feared for their lives and moved to another city.
The latter’s relatives are now seeking $226,000 in damages, citing the investigator’s mistake in not changing the trial of the accused.
If an amicable solution is not reached, their request will soon be presented to a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec.
“Music geek. Coffee lover. Devoted food scholar. Web buff. Passionate internet guru.”
