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Justice minister to file complaint against Quebec judge over sex trial comments

Stéphanie Valée, Quebec, justice minister, journalists, police, spying
Quebec's justice minister says she'll file a complaint with the provincial judicial council over comments made by a judge about a 17-year-old sexual assault victim. File photo by the Canadian Press

Quebec's justice minister says she'll file a complaint with the provincial judicial council over comments made by a judge about a 17-year-old sexual assault victim.

Le Journal de Montreal reports today that Quebec court Judge Jean-Paul Braun noted the victim was a little overweight but had a "pretty face."

He added the young woman was probably even "a little flattered" because of the attention the accused had shown her.

Braun made the comments earlier this year during a sexual assault trial for a taxi driver eventually found guilty of attacking the teenage girl.

Justice Minister Stephanie Vallee called the judge's remarks unacceptable and said today she intends to pursue a complaint.

Braun convicted Carlo Figaro, 49, last May of sexual assault and the cabbie will return to court in November for a sentencing hearing.

He is appealing the verdict.

Provincial politicians of all stripes weighed in on Wednesday, roundly criticizing the judge's comments as unacceptable.

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