Nacime Kouddar is acquitted of all charges against him

Nacime Kouddar is acquitted of charges of involuntary manslaughter, dangerous driving causing death and hit and run causing death.

After an adjournment late Thursday, Judge Hélène Fabi of the Court of Quebec rendered her verdict on the charge of hit-and-run causing death. For this third charge, Nacime Kouddar is also found not guilty. The day before, at the Sherbrooke courthouse, the accused was acquitted of charges of manslaughter and dangerous driving causing death.

Kouddar, underwent a trial last winter after the death of security guard Philippe Jean in the Galeries Quatre Saisons parking lot on April 4, 2020. Judge Hélène Fabi believed the accused’s version and determined that he had acted in self-defense during the events that occurred during the pandemic.

The thread of events

An altercation between Nacim Kouddar and the Walmart des Galeries Quatre Saisons security guard Philippe Jean degenerated regarding the application of health measures. The two men insulted each other, racist remarks were made towards Nacime Kouddar. Conduct described as aggressive from start to finish by Judge Fabi.

When Nacime Kouddar left the scene, Philippe Jean rushed towards him. First by car, then on foot, Philippe Jean rushed onto the hood of Nacime Kouddar’s moving car. He smashed the windshield with his fists.

The security guard fell off the hood and hit his head on the ground. He died of his injuries four months later. Nacime Kouddar’s conduct both with an aggressive Philippe Jean on his hood and then when leaving the scene was deemed reasonable in the circumstances.

Reactions to the verdict

After more than four years of proceedings, Nacim Kouddar seemed relieved when he left the courtroom. His lawyer, Me Nicolas Cossette, mentions that his client is very happy with the verdict. He is very happy to have […] was believed. It was an element that was very important to himhe says.

Criminal and penal prosecutor Émilie Baril-Côté takes a moment before deciding whether she will appeal the case. This is something that the prosecution will assess, she said. We just received the decision that was rendered this morning by Judge Fabi. We will assess […] the various arguments retained and we will see.