Original subtitles

Yeah, but that's not my weight or height.

Do you see a dragon or snake tattoo?

If it's not you, it's not you.

This won't take long. We just need a photo.

Your anonymous caller, was it a man or woman?

I can't say. I didn't take the call.

'Cause...

It's just for a photo lineup.

What if mine's picked?

Why would it be'? Did you do anything wrong?

No, no. It's just that

OK, how do you want me?

Take off your glasses, please.

I'm blind without my glasses.

It has to be without glasses.

Sorry to make you come. I've had no car for a month.

That's alright.

JOLY GROCERS DELIVERY

Cynthia...

take your brother to his room, please.

Are you alright, Mommy?

Celine?

Celine?

Celine?

Grab the baby, will you?

So?

Feeling better, Celine?

It stinks in here all of a sudden.

Sitting there while...

Who asked you, asshole?

Celine!

Your kids aren't here, Dumont, so beat it!

And it's not my baby she just lost.

- Leave if you're gonna fight. - Shut up!

- Here, let me. - That's OK.

No, really.

Please.

Celine?

I brought you some water.

Look, Dumont.

Admit it. We know it's you.

You wanted a hot blonde, we understand.

We can even help you...

if you tell us the truth.

The truth is that, right now,

I have to be in youth court.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

ALL DIALOGUE OF A LEGAL NATURE

IS TAKEN FROM STENOGRAPHIC RECORDS

Your Hon our, given the nature of the charge,

and at the victim's request, I ask for a closed hearing.

A closed hearing is granted.

Only the accused, the victim and counsel will be admitted.

Please leave.

It was extremely painful.

It burned.

He pushed his fingers up my vagina repeatedly...

and even my rectum

and then he penetrated me.

I think he ejaculated then.

Then...

he got back on me holding the knife.

His breath smelled of alcohol.

He said...

He forced me to

Are you alright?

He held me by my hair on one side

and said to me...

"�How do you like it, slut?"

Occasionally, he stopped and forced me to say I liked it.

When he took...

his penis out of my mouth,

I felt, well...

something running down...

And my bedspread had...

There was a damp spot.

That's why I say I think he climaxed twice.

But once in my vagina.

That's certain, beyond a doubt.

Would I be wrong in saying that, for you,

family seems to be very important?

Enormously.

Your wife and children are important to you?

My children...

they're the world to me.

And...

Well...

For me,

when we separated...

I thought...

that would be the worst.

That everything would stop turning.

For me, my children are like my blood.

They're my treasures.

And when they were placed in foster care, I...

Take your time.

When they're back, it'll be for good.

When they're back... When you get your settlement...

Same old story.

You didn't want Stephan.

Your cock or not, same difference.

You didn't want them. You kept having them placed.

Till I got myself together.

Anyway, I can go see them every day.

You want me to lose my welfare.

Because...

I was against having them placed

with Youth Protection.

And...

I felt helpless 'cause...

I couldn't have my kids.

'Cause I had no money.

And I don't know what they want to know.

Finally.

His diaper's full.

Give him here. There you are.

- You OK, sweetie? - Yes.

Do you want to touch me all over?

Touch you how?

Touch you how?

Like Mom's boyfriend does.

So I spoke to the lady from Youth Protection.

She said she'd investigate.

What happened then?

Nothing.

Based on what I've heard from both sides,

there are indeed grounds for a trial.

But it must take place tomorrow morning

or as quickly as possible for everyone.

Mr. Gelinas, you chose judge and jury.

Yes, but if we can have an early trial before a judge only,

it would be ideal.

Dad?

Thank you.

Otherwise, I would have stayed in jail till the trial.

Dad?

Dad?

For someone who says he can't see 10 feet without glasses,

it seems odd that his driver's license doesn't indicate

he must wear glasses to drive.

For all these reasons,

the Court concludes beyond any reasonable doubt

that the accused, Michel Dumont,

committed the of fences he is charged with.

Consequently, he is declared guilty

on all four counts

Lift your balls.

Good. Both hands against the wall.

Lift your right foot.

Good. Lift your left foot.

Good. Spread your cheeks.

It's called interim release.

That's why they let me out, till my appeal is heard.

There's no way you'll be sent back.

You'll win your appeal.

The judge had it in for you.

Here, make a wish.

Like, not shame your mom for a change.

Jeez, Mom.

Hello, Solange!

I was born in Montreal.

I'm an only child.

My dad's from Val-Jalbert in Lac St-Jean.

It's a ghost town now.

SINGLE, SEPARATED, DIVORCED

My parents split up when I was 15.

I dropped out of school after Grade 9.

A friend of my mom's got me work in a factory

making Popsicle sticks.

I had to lie about my age 'cause you had to be 16.

Then I sewed skirts for a company

on St. Laurent Blvd. in Montreal.

At 16, I was dating a guy four years older than me.

I moved in with him.

We bought a furniture set and all the appliances.

Mom had opened a snack bar.

I worked there as a cook, waitress and cashier for 10 months

I had to leave 'cause she couldn't pay me.

I started working for Triport in Riviere-des-Prairies.

In December 1982,

I met my future husband.

We were married nine years.

I was expecting our third

when he said his business mattered more to him than us.

You could say I'd fallen from a plane with no parachute.

So you're an electrician?

Fourth-year apprentice.

Temporarily on worker's comp.

They finally paid me the $100,000 I was owed.

So I bought myself a stereo...

appliances and a new car that I paid for upfront.

I've always dreamed of having a big family.

Yeah, but before we see if our kids get along,

maybe we should see if we do.

Francis, Doreen!

Don't jump on the new beds!

Quiet down.

Mom, I'm hungry.

I know. Grandma's coming.

- Will you behave? - Sure.

No candy!

Come on, Doreen.

Hello?

It's Michel Dumont.

Just a minute.

Doreen, let Mommy take her call.

Francis, watch Julien.

Yes?

Solange...

we're going to have to postpone.

Something came up.

I have the kids and no babysitter.

You there?

I could come over.

I'd love to meet them.

Have you lived here long?

No, it's temporary.

Daddy'?

Go to sleep, Cynthia.

I have a tummy ache.

- Sorry. - That's OK.

Not feeling well?

Think you'll vomit?

Dunno.

- Let's go to the bathroom. - OK.

Want some water?

Careful. OK, go ahead.

Watch your hair.

Better now?

Go to sleep.

Have you eaten?

No, in the rush, I forgot to eat.

I'll order something. My treat.

Thanks.

I'll get a film on the way.

Yes, but they don't know me.

They're asleep.

I'll make it quick, OK?

See you.

It's too big. It'll never fit.

No, look.

It's crazy, Michel.

I measured it.

It's too much, really.

No, it isn't.

- Are you hungry, kids? - Yes!

- Like your gifts? - Yes!

- What do you say? - Thank you!

And food, too.

You brought all this?

It's too much, Michel.

The car's trunk opens!

- I have crayons if you want one. - OK.

Will you defend me, Cynthia?

Right. They're scissors.

Wait, I'll help you.

Thank you.

- Mister? - Pass the scissors.

Your car looks cool.

Mister! Mister!

Sure you're alright there?

You can sleep here, you know.

Are the kids settled in?

Yes.

Good night.

What's wrong?

I quit smoking

I know it bugs you.

OK.

I think we're...

starting to get pretty close.

And...

before we go any further...

there's something I have to tell you.

I've been charged...

with a crime...

that I didn't commit.

A rape.

What?

We're appealing it.

My lawyer's pretty sure he'll get it overturned.

We can end this, if you want.

I'll understand.

But first,

during the alleged rape...

Why alleged?

Because it's just the victim's word against mine

and my witnesses.

Your witnesses?

I was playing cards with four people.

Dominique,

do you recall Saturday, November 17, 1990?

Yeah.

I was with Michel all day and into the evening.

And that evening, what happened?

I played cards with Michel and his wife...

I don't know her name. Sylvie or Lise...

I can't remember.

And his wife?

Yeah, and a guy she's friends with and his girlfriend.

So how many of you were there?

Five of us.

Michel, me, Michel's wife

and two of his wife's friends.

What were their names?

I don't know. I can't...

You forgot their names?

I'd know their faces.

Do you have a criminal record?

- Yes. - For what?

Car theft

How many?

Ten.

Do you have a criminal record for violation of parole?

Yeah, that too.

How many times?

Maybe twice.

In addition to car theft, are there any other crimes?

Well, bicycles. I started when I was 11.

What did you do the night before, November 16?

I can't say. I can't remember.

At least I remember the 17th.

Why do you remember what happened on the 17th?

'Cause it was the birthday of what's her name.

My girl Caroline's mom.

At what time did she leave

to go to her mom's birthday party?

Around 6:00 or 7:00.

At the preliminary hearing, you said

Caroline left around 1:00 p.m.

No way. That's impossible.

That's what you said,

Afterward s, around 1:00 p.m Caroline went home.

"�It was her mom's birthday."

- I said that? - Yes.

And you said,

"�Then we went to make a grocery delivery."

No, Michel never does deliveries on Saturday.

Then why did you say that at the hearing?

I don't know.

You had sworn on the Bible

to tell the truth.

Yeah.

Who asked you to testify today?

Celine. Celine called me to refresh my memory.

Is it true that you contacted Mr. St-Arnault

to ask him to testify?

Yes.

What did you say?

It's 'cause I'm real busy, see.

I forget stuff.

Is there anything you forgot

that Celine helped you remember?

If he remembered the 17th

and if he'd come testify if we needed him.

At first, he said no.

Now I'm starting to think I should have done the same.

On November 17, playing cards,

did you notice if Mr. Dumont had tattoos on his arms?

No, he wasn't tattooed.

Did someone coach you about the tattoos?

I told lots of people.

- Mr. St-Arnault? - Yeah.

So in other words, the other witnesses:

Dominique, Mr. Dumont, Celine, your girlfriend...

No one said,

"�Listen, in court, they'll ask you that question."

No, I didn't know.

The fourth witness...

really sank me.

Did you ever go to play cards at Michel Dumont's

on Parthenais St.?

Yes. With Celine, St-Arnault and Dominique.

How long was it after Celine got out of the hospital?

Half a week, a week.

Half a week or so. Three or four days

The night before, Celine had a curettage.

A miscarriage.

Was it yours?

But I helped her.

Not the next day. You're sure?

Celine was too weak to go out.

You babysat for her, looked after her kids.

I babysat till the next day, the 17th.

On the 17th, did you leave the house?

With Celine, maybe, to go somewhere?

I don't think so. She was too weak.

Hi, come on in.

You're not in bed?

The kids are OK. I have a headache, so I'm getting some air.

- How are you? - Good.

Go lie down.

Yeah, that's the plan.

Time to get out the cards?

2, 3, 5, 7, 8...

That's it.

He's got it.

Two against two. My call, I say yes.

Why'd we keep playing?

Michel...

Michel!

Didn't the super testify for you?

Yeah, she testified.

Yes, others had hair like that, with a mustache and tattoos.

A tenant.

Objection. This is irrelevant.

On the contrary, it's very relevant.

If. - Look.

We have a complainant, the victim,

who identified someone.

Yes.

You cannot try to establish via another witness

that someone else committed the of fence.

The witness cannot assert it was him.

No, but the witness can tell you

that in the same place,

the same area, the same location,

there are others

who resemble that picture just as much.

So...

What's your point?

Excuse me?

Go on, make her say it.

Did you see anyone

who had any identifying features?

Tattoos.

A dragon. On the other arm, I don't remember.

I was surprised. I asked what it was.

I thought snakes, but he said a dragon.

I don't remember the other arm, but it also had a tattoo.

And...

does that tenant still live in the building?

I can't even tell you his name.

After that tenant's departure,

did you notice anything unusual in his apartment?

Counselor...

What is the pertinence of all this? Where is this leading?

I'm establishing grounds for doubt.

You're attempting to create an impression

so that I direct my suspicions to someone else

who has not been identified by anyone in any way.

He was tattooed,

whereas the accused isn't.

She found the knife in his flat.

It wasn't her who found the knife

Fine.

I'll ask her if she saw the knife.

It'll be hard for her to say,

unless your other witnesses lied.

If you mean the knife, I didn't see it myself.

And...

there's another reason why it can't be me.

You must've noticed that

I've never tried to make any...

advances.

I'm holding myself back like crazy.

You're so...

You're the woman of my dreams.

It's just that...

I can't...

physically...

have sexual relations.

Why not?

I had two work accidents.

They left me with a herniated disc.

So with lots of help...

I can do it...

a bit.

Not for long.

Did you tell your lawyer that?

Because of my back, I can't.

I understand, but you have two young children.

Are they your kids?

Yeah.

Then it's not the best defense.

Anyway, they only have the victim's word.

Don't worry, we have enough to get you off.

So then, I'm safe?

Our legal system is based on the presumption of innocence.

In the absence of proof, you're innocent.

It will never go to trial.

I can't prove it...

but I think it was because I wanted custody of my kids.

Come on.

She said she'd kill me.

- I'd never see them again. - Still...

How could she influence the judges, the cops and...

I know, but...

it would really suit her if I was locked up.

Either that...

or I have really, really bad luck.

Now you know everything.

I think I should go alone.

Hi, sweetheart.

I bought you fries. Are you happy?

What are you doing?

I'm not gonna break her arm.

Hi.

L-m Celine.

Solange.

I don't know what Dumont did or didn't tell you.

But do you know he's accused of rape?

Yeah, I'm aware.

It wasn't him.

When it happened, I was with him.

That's what I understand.

You can believe him.

Is that him?

He's my father.

Welder by day. Well-oiled the rest of the time.

He doesn't seem glad to see us.

Like that since I was a kid.

Were you a pest?

I'm 34.

I want to go back to school. Not another kid.

Solange, it's our own little baby.

I was dumped with three kids, Michel.

I'm on welfare.

I'll supply you...

With the peanuts left from your settlement?

Michel!

Michel!

You little bastard!

I reimbursed Welfare $16,572.

And I paid every cent of Stephan and Cynthia's foster care.

I'm here, you know.

Why do you hide from me? Why do you hide?

Why don't you answer when I call? Why?

You may have to serve a 52-month sentence.

Look! Look what you do to Mommy when you're bad!

Look at it, Michel! Look!

Mommy's bleeding!

That's what happens when you're bad.

It's all your fault.

I love you.

What was that?

Hold on, Michel's right here.

Have you spoken to your lawyer lately?

No, why?

He hasn't seen him.

Your brother saw him.

Looks like you lost your appeal.

I didn't know it had come up.

He doesn't even have your phone number.

Of course he does.

He says he does.

Really?

There's a $1,000 reward for turning you in.

$1,000'?

Yup.

A '92 Jeep Renegade. White.

In excellent condition.

Less than the Red Book price 'cause I'm in a hurry.

I can't believe you missed the most important day of your life.

I'll be here all day.

Perfect, thanks.

You should've called the lawyer.

Look, I think I sold the Jeep.

You'll have money to live on.

What will you do?

Turn yourself in or wait for someone else to?

I have to shop around for a new lawyer.

Daddy!

Your dad's on the phone, Cynthia. Can I help you?

Yeah.

No, I understand very well.

'Cause the oven's hot.

- Let's play with the others. - Yes. Alright, fine.

- Cynthia, it's me. - Come in.

Perfect, thanks.

Thanks, goodbye.

Solange!

I found a lawyer.

Oh yeah?

That's good news.

OK, supper's ready. Let's eat.

Come on. I made some great mac and cheese.

Solange, was I in your tummy?

Stupid!

You were in Celine's tummy, like me.

No, Cynthia! I'm expecting a call.

I'm calling Mom. I won't be long.

She's getting hair down there. She needs to talk to her mom.

Michel!

It'll be alright.

Mrs. Tremblay, you know we could take you in too

for harboring a fugitive.

But we won't.

You really were ready.

You know, Dumont,

I wasn't in charge of your case.

I would've done things differently.

You seem like a nice guy.

Whatever.

Honestly, I don't understand how you lost your case.

First, a jury never would've found you guilty.

And your judge, she was quite something.

You could've asked for a new judge

Do you know what she did?

Anyway, listen to what I'm gonna tell you.

Stephan?

Mommy?

- What is it? - Stephan, get your stuff.

My kids won't stay here without their dad.

- Cynthia, hurry. - How did you know?

Get your stuff. I'll be in the car.

No way they'll love you more than me.

Come on.

So the anonymous tip was you? Answer me!

Answer me, dammit! You're the anonymous caller!

Celine, answer me!

The anonymous caller was you!

Know when we can use the phone?

Sex offenders in the New Start program

must go to Room F-330.

Fuck!

That's not supposed to go on the intercom!

Come on, I know that's what you're in for.

That's why we share a cell.

I don't know what you mean.

Yeah, right!

- We'll nail you, fuckin' perv! - Go fuck yourself!

I'm glad to see you.

Have you heard from Celine?

Buy some chips. Here's some change.

We need to check out the judge who sentenced me.

That's right.

Michel's judge was driving with three times the legal limit.

IMPAIRED DRIVING CASE JUDGE TO UNDERGO PUBLIC INQUIRY

May 12, 1991...

Was that before or after Michel's trial?

It must've been between the two days in court.

So a few days after hitting someone while drunk,

she presided over Michel's trial?

It looks that way.

How come you knew and Michel didn't?

When it came out,

he'd already been sentenced, I think.

SHE PLEADS GUILTY

And the lawyer let it go?

Seems so.

LAWYER PAUL GELINAS ON TRIAL

Why'd he go to that lawyer?

He's a former president of the bar.

Besides, who knows?

Maybe he was wrongfully accused.

He was cleared, anyway.

And the children?

Your grandchildren?

How come you never take them?

It's not my fault I don't see them.

Their mother can't stand me.

A collect call from Michel Dumont.

His kids hate him.

Celine, wait. Wait.

You can't work as an electrician without my say so.

It goes through me. Understand?

With your hair and earring, you look like a fag.

And a rapist, too!

The whole nine yards.

I didn't rape anyone.

Your victim contacted me.

Your case looks worse.

Seems you burned her with a hair iron.

What are you talking about? She never said that in court.

Look, Dumont,

my sole aim is to help you.

And we've got damn good therapists here for that.

What can I tell a therapist?

I can't admit things I didn't do

Listen, wise guy.

In our book, Michel Dumont means danger.

A high risk of re-offending.

Your little manipulation games

won't work here.

The impact study that the victim filed.

What's an impact study?

It helps us decide what treatment you need.

She wants you to know you ruined her life.

I'd like you to examine his case.

I'm no lawyer, but I think you'll be interested.

Yes.

OK, I'll fax it over today.

IMPACT STUDY

It took four years, sir.

Four years for my assailant to be put behind bars.

Four years of being afraid

he'd attack me again.

I'm still afraid.

It's left deep scars,

both physical and psychological.

And your assailant?

He's in a penitentiary

and continues to claim he didn't do it.

Stop, it's my turn for the phone!

Yes, I know you're hungry.

Mom, she's being mean!

- What's going on? - Stop!

- She's being mean! - Stop fighting!

I had the phone first!

No one will use the phone today.

Give me a hand. Take Julien into his room.

Why are you so mean?

That's what happens when you fight.

Hello?

Hello?

Yes, I accept the charges.

You're not nice!

Hey! We'll talk about it later.

Michel!

Michel, what's wrong?

Everybody knows now.

They'll kill me, Solange.

Don't say that, Michel.

I'd be better off.

My kids won't talk to me My parents won't either.

I've got nobody left.

I'm here.

You were right to kill our kid.

Michel, listen to me.

Do you want to marry me?

You have a woman beside you.

We'll get through this.

I want us to get married.

You're the man I've been waiting for.

Do you wanna?

Hands over the cake.

Turn them so I can see the rings. Yes.

That's good.

Here we go. Great!

One more.

Congratulations.

Thanks.

- Congratulations, Michel. - Thanks.

I gotta say, you're real elegant.

Is she too heavy?

She can get down. She's getting tired.

For you, my new mom-in-law.

Thank you.

Yes?

OK.

Head count.

Back to bed.

Michel...

Not again.

Did you read it to the end?

No.

Here...

After the trial

"�in late March '92, I think..."

- Solange... - Listen, it's important.

I went to the video store

and met an individual

who was the spitting image of Michel Dumont.

I literally froze.

I started to feel so much doubt.

I couldn't hide it any more.

I notified the police investigator and the prosecutor.

Why does she keep saying it was me?

Your new lawyer is useless.

We have to take over.

I want you to write out your whole story.

Sure.

I know their mom is burned out

All I'm asking is to let the kids see their father

The judge left that up to us and...

He hasn't seen them in eight months!

It's inhuman.

I'm sorry, but they don't want to see their father.

They've been manipulated.

They're forbidden to. And you play along.

Why's she here?

He's been charming her since our wedding.

What's she told him?

Don't worry.

Did you write your story?

I'm almost finished.

ADVISOR TO THE QUEBEC JUSTICE MINISTER

RE: MICHEL DUMONT

SOLANGE TREMBLAY, MICHEL'S WIFE

MINISTER OF PUBLIC SECURITY

SOLICITOR GENERAL OF CANADA

MINISTER OF JUSTICE

GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA

Hi, Dumont.

My Gigs

Shit, you were supposed to watch them.

I didn't touch them

Too bad, they disappeared.

So now you owe me double.

Come on.

Your wife's mom has a big mouth We know everything!

Next time, we'll stuff your balls down your throat.

�The minister may, under Section 690 of the Criminal Code,

�in a case he deems appropriate,

�direct a new trial or refer the matter to the Court of Appeal

�for a new hearing.

�This is a special prerogative

�intended to rectify a judicial error

"�in extraordinary circumstances."

We have to send the preliminary inquiry,

the trial, the judgment, the sentence, appeal records...

Anything indicating judicial error.

Plus the police reports.

Your new lawyer will do all that.

Michel...

It's the first piece of good news you've had.

It's not the first.

OK.

Your mind can't accept the truth, so we'll ask your body.

What do you mean?

Do you know why you're here?

My caseworker ordered it.

Any questions or worries?

Perfect, I'll explain the procedure.

There's a gauge on your left, a rubber gauge.

Lower your pants and put the gauge on your penis.

It has mercury in it. If you get hard, it expands.

It's connected to a polygraph.

Do you know what a polygraph is?

A lie detector.

Exactly.

- Do you understand the procedure? - Yes.

It's on properly.

Don't touch the gauge. It'll show on the polygraph.

Just look at the screen.

In your opinion

on a scale of 1-10, how erect are you

compared to your maximum?

Zero.

We'll keep going.

EVALUATION

So consenting women turn you on,

but you barely get it up.

And the psychiatric report?

Flying colours. They found nothing.

Bravo.

So that means...

for my upcoming parole on December 9...

You had your case reopened, my man.

Now that the Ministry has your file

you have to serve 2,-'3 of your sentence.

Come on.

That's not fair.

Ask the minister. If he orders your release...

As if I could ask him.

Look, your parole is set to begin on

May 23, 1997.

That's in 18 months!

Sign up for New Start and I'll let you out in December.

I need the police reports for my case.

I have to request them. My wife was refused.

A written request.

But, Dumont, since you're not in the program,

you can forget the family party here next weekend.

Is that all?

You bet.

I have my husband's consent

to obtain the stenographic records from his trial.

Usually the lawyer asks.

The lawyer...

hasn't lifted a finger.

That's over a thousand pages of photocopies

at $2 a page.

It's 25? at the corner store, 10? if I have a lot.

I'm sorry. I don't make the rules.

I'm sorry too.

My husband was accused without proof.

No one cares except me and our five kids.

Do we just cry ourselves to sleep?

I'll do them for 50? a page.

But I don't have time today.

When?

Yeah.

Yeah, I sold the freezer too.

Yeah.

And the kids' bikes too.

No, Michel, it'll work out.

It'll all work out

I'm going to the bank.

I love you.

BANK / SAVINGS / RETIREMENT

THE CROWN VS. MICHEL DUMONT

So that's your testimony.

He asked you to perform ore! sex

right after slashing you,

before the rest.

Yes.

Then he made love to you...

By penetration.

Between the two penetrations, if you will,

how long was it?

I'd say...

about 20 minutes.

I can't confirm it 100%.

Not in the state I was in, at least.

Let me read back part of your testimony

from the preliminary inquiry.

Page 60.

You said that he made love first with penetration

and only then did he make you perform oral sex.

- That's true. - What's true?

What you said at the inquiry or here this morning?

What I said here.

In fact, I mentioned to my lawyer

and to the police

that I had in fact made an error.

So even if it's been 6 months since those events

and the inquiry barely 6 weeks after,

your recollection is better today?

I imagine that there was caressing

or touching during sexual relations between you.

It was cold, quick and dry.

There was nothing at all between you?

We tried. It didn't work.

When was the last time you tried?

How do I know?

When you became pregnant,

barely a year after meeting him,

how long did Michel Dumont's erections last?

A few seconds, just enough to penetrate and ejaculate.

That's it, that's all.

Could you say that really

his problem was premature ejaculation?

I'm no sexologist, but it's a problem, for sure.

Did you ever...

Did you ever masturbate him?

Did you ever rub Michel's penis?

You gonna ask me if I sucked him off too?

That's private.

Answer the question, madame.

Yes, I did. I did everything.

Did you ever see a knife like this at Michel Dumont's?

Anywhere else?

I mean, it is a Rambo knife.

My brother has one.

Where does he live?

The building next to Michel's.

You saw a knife like that at your brother's?

In the locker.

You saw it at the time of the incident in November?

No, a bit later.

We were fixing his place up, painting, carpeting.

We moved the sofa and it fell out.

It's still in the locker.

What do you mean?

The knife's in the locker.

- Who put it in... - I did.

Why put it there?

Because I put it there

What do you want me to do? Throw it in the garbage?

Why didn't you want to testify in court today?

I'm sick of it. I know he's innocent.

If he'd raped anyone, it would've been me in those eight years.

What's your new boyfriend's name?

Not the one now, 'cause I had a different one then.

A different one?

Celine's guy when you played cards,

wasn't it him who...

who touched Cynthia?

Fucking army guy!

There's the clown!

Dumont, you fucker!

You've been stabbing me in the back!

Tell me to my face, you fag!

Wait till Youth Protection gets you!

Youth Protection? Hear that, guys?

God, I'm scared!

Don't run! Let's settle this, you fucker!

Fucking hell!

Let him go. Who cares?

Christ!

- Michel Dumont? - Anything wrong?

We got a complaint you were fighting.

Turn off your engine, please.

Who called? He came after me.

Step out of your car, please, Mr. Dumont.

Nice car.

You've got 48 hours to fix it.

I can't afford repairs.

48 hours.

Don't make me come back.

It was in the box you took from your dad's.

They checked me out.

The cops saw me at the card game.

I'll send it to the minister.

You know,

I saw Celine's boyfriend that night.

What?

Dear Dad,

I miss you.

Stephan hardly remembers what you look like.

Why don't you want to see us?

It's been so long.

- Go on! - Don't force him.

He hasn't seen his dad in two years.

I'm sending photos of me and Stephan.

Cynthia.

We only got permission last night.

Your ex is hard to follow.

Michel, those little crosses you promised us,

do you have them?

Yeah.

- Here. - Lucky!

- Happy? - Yeah.

A promise is a promise.

I'll make one for you, Cynthia.

And for you, Stephan.

- Want some bread? - Yes, please.

I'll give you each a half.

- Have you thanked Celine? - Thank you!

My pleasure.

Some bread, Celine?

Yes, please.

Thank you.

Here.

Thanks.

Look.

This is where we put all Dad's letters.

He always makes drawings on them.

A little man.

If you take them every second weekend,

they won't need to be fostered.

I'm too sick to keep them full time

I understand.

No, you don't understand.

You never needed the cops to control them.

So it's true?

They told you?

Yes. I didn't believe them.

Calm down.

Stephan, Mom's crying.

- What is it now? - It's Stephan again.

Calm down!

Listen to your mom. Clean that and go to bed.

Stephan, listen to the policeman.

You can't give what you never got.

Was an innocent man found guilty?

That's the fundamental question

for this person, whose story you'll hear,

a victim of rape and sexual aggression.

It wasn't me.

First, I'm incapable of committing such a crime.

If the attack really did occur,

it wasn't me.

I feel for her

because it's a repugnant crime.

I'm against it.

Sure, you bastard!

You began to have doubts?

From then on, I started to have doubts.

I was very scared.

Clearly, it wasn't Dumont.

But he sure looked like Michel Dumont.

I felt the same certainty of doubt.

It's not even �maybe� now.

I'm convinced that Michel Dumont

is not the guilty party.

Is this merely the common syndrome of a victim

who thinks she sees her assailant on every corner?

Or are we facing a miscarriage of justice?

Louis St-Pierre fills us in.

I'm sorry, man.

Mr. Longtin,

how did the family feel when Rejean Hinse was acquitted?

My client spent eight years in jail for a crime he didn't commit.

His acquittal was a relief for him and his family,

and also a huge victory for justice.

Michel's letter firing his lawyer

the complete police report...

the police ombudsman's refusal to hear our complaint...

and all the victim's public statements.

You did this alone?

What more does the government need?

Every hour longer in jail is one too many.

He's only up for parole in three months.

THREE MONTHS LATER, MAY 23, 1997

Hello.

- Three years? - Three years.

How do you feel?

I mean, I'm exhausted and glad to be out of that hell.

- That hell'? - Yup.

What do you mean?

When you're jailed for a crime you didn't commit,

it's not easy.

It's hard to take.

Even more so since the accusations I was facing

make you a pariah here.

It's real tough.

Michel Dumont was held in the Cowansville prison for three years.

He was granted parole last spring.

He would've been released earlier

if he'd enrolled in therapy for sexual aggressors.

But he refused, always maintaining his innocence.

His victim was on hand for his release

and takes his side today.

Hello, Mrs. Dion.

- I'm Mrs. Danielle Lechasseur. - Right.

- Hello, Mr. Dion... Mr. Dumont. - Hello.

It was important for me to be here. Very important.

I'm happy that you're out.

I wish it had happened long ago.

- You've never seen him this close? - God, no!

I wasn't this close in court. He sat far away.

- You're sure now it wasn't him? - Yes.

- His voice? - Yes.

- You're convinced of that? - Yes.

- More than ever? - More than ever.

Are you angry at Mrs. Lechasseur?

Not a bit

I can't be angry at a woman who, first of all,

was sexually abused.

I can't be angry at her.

She thought it was me at first.

I can't believe someone with such a kind face

spent years in jail when it wasn't him

and when I said it so many times.

Are you back with us for good?

Yes.

We missed you.

I missed you too.

Are your bags ready?

Go get them.

Come on.

I have to tell you something.

I'll help the kids.

I had a friend.

Well...

I thought he was a friend.

He helped me. With Stephan, I mean.

Except...

Look...

it's better if I show you.

CONVICTED PEDOPHILE SEDUCED THE MOTHER

TO GET AT HER 7-YEAR-OLD SON!

ANOTHER PEDOPHILE WANTS TO BE CASTRATED

WELCOME HOME, DADDY

I wrote our MP.

He'll put in a good word.

Don't worry, you'll get the job.

And if that works out, we'll get our loan.

We'll have our own house.

Michel?

Cynthia wants to be placed with me.

No more foster families.

I'll give you your daughter, but I keep my son.

Not after what happened to him.

- He doesn't want to go with you. - It's not up to him.

You exploit them, scream at them make them work.

I'm taking them.

You and that bitch of yours are so full of shit.

I'm taking Stephan and Cynthia.

After all I did for you you bastard!

STATEMENT ANALYSIS

At your request, I analyzed her first declaration

given three days after the attack.

I'll point out several important details.

On line 9:

"�He showed me a knife that looked like a hunting knife."

On line 23:

Then he got undressed,

his pants down to his knees.

Line 29:

"�He went to get my hand lotion."

Line 32:

...the front of my body, that is, my breasts

and especially the inside of my thighs.

The qualifiers reinforce

those elements the subject believes will make her account credible.

Let me continue.

Oh yes...

The knife was still next to my head.

The article �the� before the word �knife�

denotes detachment between the assailant and the knife.

Not �his� knife, but a neutral term

dissociating the presumed assailant from his weapon.

Line 23...

There was full intercourse for five or ten minutes...

savagely.

And then...

ejaculation.

That's when he twisted my breasts the hardest...

and said...

�I like sluts

"�and whores like me."

A significant change of pronouns.

Why sluts and whores �like me"?

It reveals the subject's opinion of herself.

She shows no emotion when the presumed assailant says,

"�Move and I'll kill you."

Later:

And he said, �lf you call the cops,

"�I'll come back, 'cause I know your address."

He said,

�You're a great lay.

"�I'll keep my eye on you."

"Line 53, she says."

He left

Now, on line 58,

why does the subject say,

�I wiped myself off and cleaned my room"?

The presumed victim may have sought to explain

why no traces of another person were found.

It is likely she borrowed details from memories of sexual abuse

that she suffered at another time.

Justice Minister Anne McLellan asked me to investigate the case

So thank you for coming today, Mrs. Lechasseur.

My honesty forces me to tell you something.

The police and the investigators were aware

that I'd previously been the victim of sexual abuse.

I'll never get my life back.

I do my best to tell myself stories...

to believe that, one day, I'll have my place in the sun.

How can I ever...

find myself beautiful?

How can I ever...

find myself clean?

I've been dirtied.

I've been dirtied for life.

My God!

And because one day I had doubts

that Michel Dumont was actually my assailant...

today, I'm being destroyed.

I'm being destroyed in all the papers.

REFERRAL TO THE QUEBEC COURT OF APPEAL

AS PER THE FEDERAL MINISTER OF JUSTICE

Were you the Crown Attorney at the time of the 1991 trial

and the first appeal in 1994?

No, Your Hon our, that was Natalie Duperron-Roy.

Why wasn't the declaration made by the victim in 1992

in which she doubts having correctly identified her aggressor

produced in the Court of Appeals?

It's not for the Crown to do so.

For whom does the Crown work?

The Minister of Justice.

So it was your duty to see justice carried out?

The police report said that Dumont, who was still at large,

could be the person seen by the victim.

Must I give you a French course?

"�Could be" is conditional,

is it not?

Yes.

Meaning that he could also not be that person.

Correct.

If Michel Dumont were to be tried before a jury today,

counselor,

with what we know,

could he be found guilty?

MICHEL DUMONT SPENT 1,190 DAYS IN JAIL

With your acquittal on all charges,

do you feel justice has been done, Mr. Dumont?

When the victim first declared that I wasn't her assailant,

in the penitentiary, the inmates immediately apologized

for believing me guilty and mistreating me.

The authorities have known since 1992.

It's now 2001.

IN 2001, THE TRIAL JUDGE WAS PROMOTED

TO MONTREAL COORDINATING JUDGE

What would you like to see?

Do you expect financial compensation?

At the very least.

But nothing can make up for what I went through...

what my wife went through...

and the years away from my kids.

CYNTHIA SPENT 751 DAYS IN FOSTER HOMES

STEPHAN E: 1,675

So, following his acquittal

the presumption of innocence does not apply?

What the Court of Appeal said

is that he can't be tried again on the same charges.

But he was not found innocent.

So the presumption of innocence does not apply?

Is that your answer?

IN 2005, CROWN ATTORNEY NATHALIE DUPERRON-ROY

WAS PROMOTED TO PRESIDING JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

IN MARCH 2006, ON BEHALF OF MICHEL,

SOLANGE APPLIED TO THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS,

WHICH RECOMMENDED IN 2007

THAT THE GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND QUEBEC

SHOULD COMPENSATE MICHEL DUMONT

IN 2008, MICHEL, HIS TWO CHILDREN AND SOLANGE

SUED THE CROWN ATTORNEY AND THE MUNICIPALITY IN CML COURT

FOR $5.8 MILLION

SOLANGE WAS HONORED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF CANADA IN MARCH 2001

AND WAS AWARDED THE MEDAL OF THE QUEBEC NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN MAY 2003

FOR HER RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF JUSTICE

IN JANUARY 2009, THE MUNICIPALITY AND ITS POLICE DEPARTMENT

REACHED A SETTLEMENT WITH MICHEL DUMONT,

THE TERMS OF WHICH REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL

IN JULY 2009,

JUDGE BENOIT EMERY OF THE QUEBEC SUPERIOR COURT

FOUND AGAINST MICHEL DUMONT, RULING THAT,

�THE CROWN COMMITTED NO FAULT,

"�NOR DID IT ACT WITH MALICE, IN BAD FAITH OR ABUSE ANY RIGHTS"

THE CASE HAS NEVER BEEN SOLVED

Subtitles: Robert Gray

Subtitling produced with the participation of Telefilm Canada

Subtitling: CNST, Montreal