In sentencing the murderers of Sarnia kindergarten teacher Noelle Paquette, Justice Bruce Thomas called their actions "vile" and "despicable."
He told Michael MacGregor and Tanya Bogdanovich that, "as a result you will be removed from the society for what might be for the rest of your lives.”
The 34-year-old Bogdanovich and 22-year-old MacGregor were sentenced Thursday to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
Their DNA will also be entered into the national registry, they will be added to the sex offenders registry, and they cannot communicate with anyone who provided victim impact statements, including Paquette's family.
Bogdanovich and MacGregor pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in December in the 2013 New Year's Day abduction, rape, and murder of Paquette.
Paquette's father Roger, surrounded by the rest of the family, read a statement following the day's proceedings.
"This sentencing is neither an ending or a beginning. It is a dramatic change in all of our lives. It is a message to everyone to be cautious but not afraid, to live life to the fullest, to love and be kind. Our memories of our daughter, Noelle, have given us the courage to live on. We will cherish these memories of her love, faith, kindness, giving to others, and the freedom to dance through her legacy in Noelle's Gift."
Noelle's Gift is a charity in Paquette's memory that provides disadvantaged Lambton-area school children with daily necessities.
Prior to the sentencing, both MacGregor and Bogdanovich apologized, choosing to do so from the witness stand so they could face the Paquette family.
Reading from his prepared statement, MacGregor said, "I would take it back in an instant if I could. I am so sorry for what I have done and the pain I've caused you all who loved her so much."
Bogdanovich said, "I'm sorry won't scratch the surface of a wound that's felt by so many. I've affected the security of an entire community."
Both said they would be seeking psychological help while behind bars.
Speaking to reporters outside of the courthouse, MacGregor's lawyer Bryan Grys told reporters, "His guilty plea, as I've said before, was an expression of remorse. He hopes that his plea and the conclusion of the proceedings today, the life sentence that was imposed will provide in some small fashion some solace for the Paquette family and the community of Sarnia."
Bogdanovich's lawyer, Natasha Calvinho said her client will be assessed and treated in prison. "There is always more to people than their one bad act. She had no criminal record, she had never been involved in the criminal justice system before," said Calvinho. "We need to figure out why this happened, what lead her to this place , to make sure that A) it never happens again and B) that she gets back to the person that she can be." -----
LISTEN: The Paquette family statement can be heard here.
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