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11-02-2014, 07:47 AM
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Mountie Killer Gets Longest Sentence in Canadian History
Justin Bourque gets 5 life sentences, no chance of parole for 75 years Justin Bourque has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 75 years for killing three RCMP officers and wounding two others, a New Brunswick judge has ruled. It is the longest sentence in Canadian history, and the harshest since the death penalty was abolished. Bourque's defence lawyer said he has no plans to appeal. Justin Bourque's lawyer slams gun laws Bourque, 24, of Moncton, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder of RCMP officers. Court of Queen’s Bench Chief Justice David Smith handed down Bourque’s sentence in what he called a "difficult case." "One of the most horrific crimes in the history of Canada," Smith told the courtroom. All five officers were shot within a 20-minute period, he said, describing the murders as ambushes. Bourque, who was in a "blind rage" at the time, waited at the ready for police to arrive. He only stopped because he was thirsty, tired and outgunned, said Smith. The judge said the sentence must be proportionate to the gravity of the offence and his main concern was deterrence. No sentence could fix the despair that Bourque caused by his shooting spree, Smith said. But he said he wants anyone else considering a similar action to realize they could spend the rest of their lives in prison. Smith, a former member of the New Brunswick parole board, said the five life sentences are mandatory, and the only question was the length of the sentence before Bourque is eligible for parole. With the sentence, Bourque will be 99 years old before he is eligible. Bourque, who stood to listen to the sentence, showed no emotion. Read more here |