He sexually assaulted a patient | A former nurse, who always blames his victim, sentenced to 28 months in penitentiary

A nurse who administered a sedative to a vulnerable patient to sexually assault her at Notre-Dame hospital was sentenced Friday to 28 months in penitentiary. Without remorse, Amrane Kacher still denigrates the victim who allegedly beguiled him.

“The victim returned to hospital to undergo medical treatment. She expected the medical staff to have her best interests at heart. Instead, she suffered a sexual assault at the hands of a nurse who used his position of trust to abuse her,” said Judge Salvatore Mascia Friday at the Montreal courthouse.

Amrane Kacher, a 43-year-old former nurse, was found guilty of sexual assault last January. At the trial, he described the victim as a “temptress”. But his “absurd” defense was completely dismissed by the judge. Since the events, he has been fired and is no longer a member of his professional order.

The victim, a woman in her thirties, was admitted to Notre-Dame hospital in Montreal in spring 2021 to treat her alcoholism. She was under medical supervision as part of a closed treatment. During his hospitalization, Amrane Kacher quickly gave him “disproportionate” attention.

One night, the nurse gave the victim an unexpected dose of valium, a sedative. While she was in a daze, he took the opportunity to sexually assault her. The victim kept repeating “no” during the attack and tried to defend herself. The attacker notably performed cunnilingus on her and masturbated in front of her.

Even today, Amrane Kacher has no remorse. He blames the victim for “seducing” him. In his eyes, the woman “set a trap” for him by presenting herself to this hospital unit. He even goes so far as to say that the victim took advantage of his “kindness” and his “naivety”.

“He makes denigrating remarks towards the patient. He appeared to sexualize her, saying that she was always seductive, positioning herself in a suggestive manner and dressing in sexy outfits,” reads an evaluation report.

In the report, it is mentioned that in the past, the ex-nurse had already been suspended for “having engaged in insistent behavior and comments towards female colleagues”.

Judge Mascia ruled out the defense’s suggestion of a “lenient” sentence of 15 to 18 months. Due to the numerous aggravating factors, including the breach of trust and the vulnerability of the victim, he instead chose a penitentiary sentence. However, the judge chose a quantum less than the three years requested by the Crown, taking into account the principle of “moderation”.

“An exemplary sentence is necessary to ensure collective deterrence and more particularly to emphasize to health professionals who benefit from a position of trust that any abuse will be severely punished,” concluded the judge.

A few days ago, Jean-Élie Paul, a beneficiary attendant who sexually assaulted an intoxicated patient in the middle of the corridor at Saint-Eustache hospital, was sentenced to three years in prison.