The victim of the “photographer of the stars” is no longer ashamed

For 30 years of his life, “Roland de Québec” was able to live “under the radar”, pursuing his career as a “photographer of the stars” with complete impunity. Meanwhile, his victim felt trapped in a cage for three decades.

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“My name is Martin Chouinard, I have nothing to reproach myself for. »

One of the victims of Roland Lachance, the 90-year-old photographer twice convicted of sexually assaulting teenagers, gave powerful testimony in court during sentencing submissions on Tuesday.

In the early 90s, Martin Chouinard met “Roland de Québec” by chance, while hitchhiking.

The attacker had quickly invited the 14-year-old teenager to take photos to build up a modeling portfolio for him, then by inviting him to social events while making advances to him which led to regarding fifty sexual assaults until in the fall of 93.

glass prison

Martin Chouinard tried to forget this story for 30 years of his life, despite a rage that inhabited him. It was when a first victim filed a complaint once morest Roland Lachance in 2019 that Mr. Chouinard decided to dive in turn.

“Thank you to the other victim, it is thanks to him that I am here. It was the little kick that I was missing, ”said the 45-year-old man before judge Thomas Jacques.

However, the trial was very difficult for him, even to the point where he attempted his life.

“Instead of great joy, there was great emptiness,” he said with great honesty. The father of the family, however, recovered following this dark episode thanks to therapy and the love of his family. “There is an evolution, I see it,” he says.

The guilty verdict was also beneficial in his healing process. “The trial brought me the certainty that I have nothing to reproach myself for,” he testified.

“It was difficult, but it was worth it,” added Mr. Chouinard, inviting victims of sexual assault to file a complaint as he did.

“I have no business being ashamed, afraid,” he explains. It was in this spirit that he spontaneously asked the court that his name be made public.

A publication ban prevented the media from revealing his identity, but the man wanted it to be lifted to mark the bursting of this “glass prison” in which he had felt locked up for 30 years.

Four years in prison requested

Prosecutor Michel Bérubé requested a prison sentence of 4 years despite the age of the accused, believing that he has been able to live “under the radar” since the events.

“He was able to live his whole life without society knowing of the heinous crimes he committed,” argued Ms.e Berube.

Roland Lachance’s lawyer asked the judge to show “moderation” and proposes a sentence of two years less a day to be served in the community.

The magistrate will make his decision in September. Sentencing submissions for the accused’s first trial will take place next week.

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