Daniel Matteau was sentenced to five years in prison in July 2023 after pleading guilty to a charge of impaired driving causing death.
The Commission indicates in its decision that it is of the opinion that the offender does not present an unacceptable risk to society, and his release will contribute to the protection of society by promoting his social reintegration as a law-abiding citizen. .
“The Commission refuses you full parole, since it is of the opinion that you do not meet the criteria for granting it at this stage of your sentence. You have started a process of change, but you will first have to continue working on your risk factors, develop more relapse prevention tools, and demonstrate your achievements in the community within the framework of semi-release. before this form of release can be granted to you,” the commissioners ruled at the end of a hearing recently.
Remember that in April 2023, Daniel Matteau would have had several drinks in a bar before hitting the road intoxicated. The evidence revealed that the accused had a blood alcohol level 2.5 times higher than the legal limit.
After making a U-turn, his van allegedly traveled in the opposite direction on Highway 55 forcing motorists to move into the right lane. He would have continued his route for around ten kilometers before the impact which was fatal to Firmin Côté at kilometer 204.
In its decision, the Parole Board of Canada considers that Daniel Matteau’s release plan is “realistic, structured and adapted” to his intervention needs.
He will participate in closed drug addiction therapy, “which will allow you to refine your relapse prevention plan, solidify what you have learned and continue working on your risk factors,” the commissioners indicate in the report.
Daniel Matteau (Facebook)
“At the hearing, the Commission noted a form of magical thinking, while you affirmed that you would never use again. The Commission believes that, although your intentions are good, this unwavering confidence could put you at risk; a stay in transition – in therapy – will therefore make it possible to address this element,” we can read in the report.
To make its decision, the Commission also took into account the statements of the victim’s family in which they claimed to still be affected by the situation and to have fears of meeting Daniel Matteau.
“It describes all the sadness you have caused and the grieving process which continues,” notes the Commission.
The Commission also ensures in its decision that it does not lose sight of the seriousness of the offense giving rise to the sentence.
“You are proactively engaged in your correctional plan, so much so that you have achieved all of the objectives targeted therein,” we note in the report.
Daniel Matteau will have to respect several conditions during his day release. He will be prohibited from consuming, obtaining or possessing alcohol. He will not be able to communicate with the victim’s family and he will have to refrain from entering an establishment where the sale or consumption of alcohol constitutes the main source of income.
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