A former pedophile priest who is serving eight years in prison for sexual assault on minors has not yet understood anything, because his request for parole was refused, notably due to new accusations brought against him.
“In the absence of progress […]the Board is of the opinion that this is not the right time for you to be released on conditions,” the Parole Board of Canada ruled on Tuesday, regarding the fallen priest Brian Boucher, now aged 62 years old.
Brian Boucher, former priest and abuser.
Photo provided by the SPVM
The protagonist of the documentary Secrets and sins of the Church carried out by our Investigation Office has been serving this heavy sentence since 2019 for incitement and sexual touching of two minors aged 13 and 14 at the time of the facts, around 1995 and 2010.
His modus operandi consisted of approaching young boys who came from single-parent families in order to act as a father figure, before taking action, we read in the decision.
He still denies it
Although he pleaded guilty, the man who was dismissed from the clerical state in 2020 still denies the facts.
In making its decision, the Commission noted in particular that Boucher does not appear to have learned from his mistakes. He is said to have reoffended in prison, this time attacking a young fellow inmate.
He now faces charges of sexual assault, voyeurism and harassment.
In the winter of 2023, he allegedly developed a problematic relationship with a vulnerable offender who was in his area, the Commission notes.
The latter would have gone so far as to get stuck in his cell to avoid Boucher and complain that he was being moved with him in the showers. The accused once again denies these allegations.
Conflicts
After this incident, Boucher had to be transferred from one unit to another.
Due to his temperament, he had numerous conflicts with fellow prisoners. Among other things, he allegedly tried to hit one of them with a metal trolley, the document states.
“You were said to be disagreeable and trouble-making with your peers. You had verbal altercations with them on a weekly, if not daily, basis,” the Commission reports.
Furthermore, the Commission details in the document the personality of the ex-priest, in detention.
Boucher intimidates, threatens to use violence and demonstrates a need to dominate and control his environment, in addition to exhibiting narcissistic and rigid traits, it is listed.
Always a risk
He is condescending, suffers from emotional immaturity, a lack of sex education and empathy. When confronted, he blames others, we can also learn.
“Your behavior during your incarceration demonstrated significant adjustment difficulties until relatively recently,” it reads.
According to the Commission, pedophiles still represent a “significant” risk for society and this risk calls for caution. Boucher will be on the sex offender register for life.
However, he will soon be released automatically, under a series of conditions.
His case is due back in court at the end of July for further proceedings.
– With Marie-Christine Trottier, from the Investigation Bureau
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