The defence lawyer for a Wallaceburg woman who killed a sex partner in 2018 is asking the Chatham court for a suspended sentence and three years probation.
Kourtny Audette, 28, of Wallaceburg, who was originally charged with first-degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Nick Laprise almost four years ago, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in August.
Manslaughter carries a sentence of up to life in prison.
Audette’s lawyer, Laura Joy, told the court on Friday afternoon that her client should be credited for pleading guilty during a pandemic when the jails are dealing with COVID-19 restrictions and the courts are extremely busy and backlogged.
Joy said Audette is ready to be reintegrated into the community after spending the last three years and seven months at the Windsor Jail. She added Audette is not a threat to the community. Joy told the court Audette has made the most of her time behind bars by taking several courses and completing two university credits after not finishing high school. Audette also wants to counsel other young women.
Justice Paul Kowalyshyn was told Audette is a first time offender and could have used self defence as a defence argument. Joy said her client is "deeply remorseful she has taken a man's life,” but noted that Laprise's provocation and aggressive conduct was a "trigger" in the killing. Kowalyshyn heard that Audette was extremely intoxicated the night of the killing, having consumed seven tall boy cans of beer.
The court also heard that Audette has frequent nightmares about the crime and takes medication for depression and psychosis, was sexually abused as a teen by an older man, was a troubled teen who spent time in a group home at the age of 14, and had issues with authority. Joy said Audette had an abortion at a young age and was bullied in high school. She also has a daughter who is being cared for by her grandmother.
"She has suffered at the hands of men throughout her life," said Joy during her lengthy court sentencing submission.
Joy also acknowledged that her client had a knife, but said many women in the sex trade do for safety reasons.
Joy said Audette's parents are willing to let her stay with them for as long as needed after she gets out of jail. Joy also feels that her client is ashamed and embarrassed by the notoriety of the crime and worries about her daughter.
Nick Laprise. Apr. 24, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Nicholls Funeral Home)
Crown Attorney Rob MacDonald read a sorrowful victim impact statement from Laprise's mother Nathalie. In it, she says sshe misses her son, is heartbroken over the tragedy, and doesn't know how to carry on without him.
"Nicholas' murder took everything from me. His laughter, his face, his caring hugs, his helpfulness, and his thoughtfulness. It took my sense of life, shattered my whole existence, and took my joy and happiness. I have trouble finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. Being happy doesn't seem right anymore," said Mrs. Laprise in her statement. "I am not a whole person anymore and find every second a challenge. When I lost Nicholas, I lost a huge part of me. He was my everything."
Laprise also left behind children.
Audette's case will return to court November 19, 2021 when the Crown will make its sentencing submissions and Audette is expected to address the court.