Winnipeg man receives prison sentence for river trail attacks
A man who pleaded guilty to assaulting three women and a teenage girl around Winnipeg's river trail system last year has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Jordan Andrew Bruyere, 30, was sentenced in Manitoba Provincial Court on Monday by Judge Robin Finlayson to 14 years in prison, minus the time he's already spent.
"No one deserves to be attacked. No one deserves to be assaulted," said Finlayson during the sentencing.
Finlayson noted Bruyere's remorse and willingness not to have a trial where the victims would have to testify weighed in the decision.
Bruyere admitted to attacking a woman in her 30s on the outskirts of Downtown Winnipeg on April 8, 2021. The court heard Bruyere pulled the woman down from behind while holding a knife before she was able to scream and run away.
The second incident occurred two months later when a woman in her 20s allegedly asked Bruyere to borrow his cell phone. Bruyere noted there was better reception under the Donald Street Bridge, where he then dragged her down to the river bank, threatened her with a knife and raped her.
The court heard that Bruyere attacked another woman in her 20s who was jogging on the river trail along Churchill Drive eight days later. She was pulled to the ground but managed to escape.
The last incident Bruyere admitted to happened on Aug. 8, 2021, when a 15-year-old girl was walking on the trail near Churchill High School. Bruyere apparently approached her and began talking to her before he sexually assaulted her. She was able to escape and run away to a nearby group of firefighters.
"This is every woman's worst nightmare," said Crown attorney Chantal Boutin.
A HISTORY OF ABUSE
The Crown and Bruyere's defence attorney, Laura Robinson, came together to agree that 14 years behind bars, minus time already spent, was a fair sentence due to Bruyere's tough upbringing.
The court heard Bruyere was abused as a teenager, but due to a publication ban, the specifics about the incident, including the name of the perpetrator, cannot be reported.
The lawyers detailed how Bruyere was abused growing up and battled an addiction to drugs that "exacerbated his PTSD."
"Hurt people hurt other people," said Boutin.
Robinson said Bruyere recognizes he is a risk to the public and regrets what he did. She said Bruyere pled guilty to ensure the process was as quick and easy as possible for the victims.
"It can be so, so hard," said Finlayson during his final remarks. "I consider that a true demonstration of remorse."
Two of the victims wrote impact statements for the judge to read privately.
Bruyere will now serve around 12 years in prison since he's spent a little more than a year in jail after he turned himself in. He will also be added to the child abuse registry.
Once his sentence is over, Bruyere will not be allowed near playgrounds, schools, parks, or other places children might be. He is also not allowed to own any weapons for the rest of his life or contact any of the victims.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Questlove was not happy with Drake and Kendrick Lamar's beef: 'Nobody won the war'
While some may have been excited and/or amused by the diss-track feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the man many consider to be an elder statesman of hip-hop appears less than enthused about it.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Trump heading to Jersey Shore to rally 'mega crowd' in weekend break from hush money trial
After a long week in court, Donald Trump is heading to the Jersey Shore. And his campaign says he'll be joined by "tens of thousands" of his friends.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.