Quebec radio host sues prosecutor, former minister over teen hooker charges



Canadian Press

Friday, July 09, 2004

QUEBEC (CP) - A former radio personality who was convicted of paying for sex with a 17-year-old prostitute is suing the Crown prosecutor and the province's former attorney-general.

Robert Gillet alleges that Crown prosecutor Genevieve Lacroix and former minister Marc Bellemare worked together to convict a man they knew was innocent of a charge related to a younger teen.

Gillet received a year's probation and community service after being convicted in March of paying for sex with the 17-year-old. He was acquitted of paying for sex with a 15-year-old and of sexually assaulting her.

The lawsuit, filed July 5 in Quebec Superior Court, says Bellemare acted out of stubbornness, political ambition and demagoguery. Bellemare quit politics earlier this year.

Gillet alleges Lacroix acted out of incompetence and careerism.

The lawsuit claims they both acted out of spite.

The $3-million lawsuit also names the city of Quebec, one of its police officers and the father of the younger complainant. The sex took place in Quebec City but the trial was held in Montreal.

Bellemare couldn't be reached for comment. His successor, Jacques Dupuis, refused to comment.

In order to win a malicious prosecution case, Gillet must prove, among other things, that his prosecution was motivated by improper purposes.