Crown Seeks 12-Year Sentence for Fugitive Fearing for His Life

Jean-François Malo, a fugitive with a controversial background, is facing significant legal challenges. The Crown seeks a prison sentence of 10 to 12 years for his involvement in orchestrating an attack against a lawyer. This plea follows his recent failure to appear in court, where he claimed to be in hiding due to serious threats to his life.

Court Proceedings and Allegations

During court proceedings in Longueuil, Judge Denys Noël addressed Malo’s absence and the requests from the Crown. Malo is accused of hiring two accomplices to attack a lawyer, Nicholas Daudelin, in 2020 amidst a civil dispute. The court recognized him as guilty in the spring of the previous year and was set to determine his sentencing.

Malo’s Claim of Danger

In a letter to the judge, Malo expressed fears for his safety, claiming he had not received police protection. Judge Noël labeled these concerns as suspicious, indicating that Malo’s actions appear more aimed at evading justice than genuine fear.

Timeline of Events

• October 13, 2023: Malo is reported to have left his home with his laptop and documents, disappearing shortly after.
• 2020: The initial attack orchestrated by Malo took place.
• Spring 2022: He was convicted for the attack and was awaiting sentencing when he absconded.

Legal Consequences and Public Reaction

The Crown argues that Malo’s actions are a direct attack on the justice system, warranting a severe sentence. Prosecutor Tian Meng emphasized the need for a strong message, stating that attacking a lawyer undermines the judicial process.

Patterns of Evasion

Despite claiming threat concerns, Malo has maintained regular contact with his family during his fugitive status. He allegedly communicated about mundane matters, such as his children’s schooling. This contradicts his narrative of being in desperate danger.

Conclusion

As the judicial proceedings continue, Judge Noël is expected to issue a ruling soon. The outcome could set a precedent for how the legal system addresses individuals who threaten the safety of legal representatives. The Crown’s commitment to pursue a rigorous sentence reflects the seriousness of Malo’s crimes and their implications for the judicial system.