Top Stories -   

1
An RCMP officer escorts 62-year-old Romeo Jacques Cormier from court in Moncton, N.B. on Thursday, March 25, 2010. (Andrew Vaughan / THE CANADIAN PRESS) An RCMP officer escorts 62-year-old Romeo Jacques Cormier from court in Moncton, N.B.

Cormier is a 'man with no remorse,' victim says

Viewer

CTV News Video

CTV National News: Todd Battis on Cormier
Romeo Cormier is found guilty for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Moncton woman for nearly a month.
CTV Atlantic: Dina Bartolacci on the verdict
It took the jury six hours of deliberation before announcing Romeo Cormier was guilty of all six charges in the Moncton abduction trial.
CTV Atlantic: Nick Moore with reaction
Maritimers are reacting to the Romeo Cormier verdict and most say the ruling has brought relief and closure to the region.

A A |  Email ThisEmail  | PrintComments (36) Facebook   

An RCMP officer escorts 62-year-old Romeo Jacques Cormier from court in Moncton, N.B. on Thursday, March 25, 2010. (Andrew Vaughan / THE CANADIAN PRESS) An RCMP officer escorts 62-year-old Romeo Jacques Cormier from court in Moncton, N.B.

Photos

An RCMP officer escorts 62-year-old Romeo Jacques Cormier from court in Moncton, N.B. on Thursday, March 25, 2010. (Andrew Vaughan / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

View Larger Image

Date: Wed. Jul. 6 2011 9:07 PM ET

Following the conviction of her tormenter, the New Brunswick woman kidnapped at knifepoint by Romeo Cormier said she's thankful she can finally put the entire episode behind her.

"I can move on with my life," the woman, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, told reporters outside the court where the verdict was delivered Wednesday. "Hopefully things can be back to normal from here on in."

Inside the courtroom, Cormier smirked silently when the jury found him guilty of all charges related to the 2010 abduction and confinement of the 55-year-old woman.

Cormier had pleaded not guilty to charges including kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault, assault with a weapon, robbery and uttering death threats.

But in their verdict Wednesday, the jury told the Moncton courtroom they had found him guilty on all six charges. They had deliberated for just six hours.

With her husband's arm around her, the woman sat in the courtroom and listened to the verdict. She later told reporters that the judgment brought her great relief.

"He's just a man with no remorse," she said.

"He thinks the world owes him something, and he thinks he can do what he wants and everybody has to cater to him. He thinks he's a somebody. He's just a mean person."

Cormier, 63, was arrested on March 24, 2010 after the woman -- who had been the subject of a missing person investigation -- accused him of abducting her at knifepoint outside the Moncton mall where she worked. The woman said she was held against her will in his one-room basement apartment for 26 days.

During the trial, Cormier testified that the woman was an acquaintance who wanted to be with him. He also told the court that the woman was plotting with him to kill her husband.

She said it was difficult to listen to Cormier's testimony, but she clung to the hope that no one would believe him.

She soundly rejected Cormier's testimony throughout the trial, tearfully testifying that she was sexually assaulted during her time in captivity.

"You're my woman now. . . . I expect you to take care of me," she told the court, recalling Cormier's comments during her detainment.

She also testified that during the time she spent trapped in his apartment, Cormier left her alone three times -- but gagged her each time.

The woman said she was able to free herself on March 24, while Cormier was out at a food bank. A neighbour and a courier truck driver told the court that they saw the woman run into the street wearing just a t-shirt, underwear and socks on the morning of her escape.

In his testimony, Cormier said he had first met the woman in 1993 in Newfoundland while he was a courier.

He described the woman as an "acquaintance" of his, claiming that they had bumped into each other several times in Moncton between 2006 and January 2010.

Cormier also told the court that she had enlisted him in a plan to kill her husband on Feb. 26, 2010. That night, Cormier claimed, they went to her home and peered through the bedroom windows.

According to Cormier, the two decided to call off the plan and return to his apartment where they engaged in consensual sex games.

The woman sobbed several times during her testimony, saying she didn't think she could survive the ordeal. But she said news reports of her family's search for her and her daughter's pregnancy lifted her spirits and convinced her to do whatever she had to in order to stay alive.

The woman said Wednesday that while testifying was difficult, she "wanted to show (Cormier) that he never had control of me, not for one minute. I controlled him and he didn't even know it."

The woman's husband, who sat by his wife for each day of the trial, called the ordeal "pure hell."

"Just to have to sit there in the courtroom and listen to some monster talk about your wife in the way that he talked about her," the man said.

Had the trial's outcome been different, the woman's daughter said, the family "would never be able to sleep knowing a man got away with this."

After Wednesday's verdict, Cormier's legal team told reporters that a decision to appeal will be left to their client. However, they also said they achieved their objective of getting Cormier a fair trial in Moncton.

"It was properly done, we felt," lawyer Robert Rideout told reporters. "And we feel that they assessed all of the facts and evidence and the law and made a decision, and we accept that."

Crown prosecutor Annie St. Jacques hailed the verdict as "a message for all women."

Cormier will be back in court on Aug. 18 for sentencing.

With a report from CTV Atlantic's Dina Bartolacci and Nick Moore and files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

HarleyGirl
said

I would like to say to the victim that she is the bravest woman I know. We grew up together and I prayed for you every day. I cried for you and your family. I am so proud of you for doing what you did to put tha man behind bars. To stand up in court and take all that questioning and the way they took your words and use them against you, it is very sad, that people can do the things they do and people will stand up for them. My God what has this world come to. My dear friend you are the the braves woman I have ever known. All of you people who are nay sayers I sure do hope it never happens to any one in your family. Then who will believe them, certianly not you !!!


DF
said

Thank you SR, Alberta. I couldn't have said it any better. Far too many people are spouting off without having facts. I do believe the jury gave the right verdict but have no faith in the severity of his sentence. The justice system in this country is, in my opinion, far too lenient and we could actually learn a few lessons from our American neighbors ie. jails that actually LOOK like jails and not health spas, chain gangs etc. I suspect Cormier won't spend as long behind bars as he should. I truly hope the woman involved is now finally able to go forward in her life and not look back. Perhaps with the help of loving family and friends she'll be able to do just that.


yahoo
said

I happen to know the family and let me tell you, anyone who can for one second question this woman's crediability is just as sick as Cormier. She is the most honest, sincere, and brave woman I know and her strength will be an inspiration to me. May he never walk our streets again. Read all the reports, watch the news reports, research all areas, read about his past and anyone can see he is a sick man. As for the publication ban, that is put in place by the court's when there is a sexual assault charge, that is why her name cannot be mentioned.


Sandra Hussey
said

My dear, you are a very strong person. You are an icon for all women. You are in the place where you should me. You have love all around and always will . And you have peace. Don't forget that. May god bless you and your family .


Hercules
said

Both lack credibility, but I guess she outlasted him. Why the publication ban on her name, her picture and "name" was all over the news when this was playing out?


Sad Case - Ottawa
said

So sad for this lady...to just look at this "flea bag" turns yours stomach..no doubt has fleas in that gross beard. Glad he was found guilty..hope he goes away for a long long time and never comes out into society ever again....


Barb
said

I fully support the brave courageous 55 year young lady who survived this hellish ordeal. I pray that she will receive violent crime indemnity, money and lots and lots of therapy; support and she will enjoy tranquility and joy each and every day moving forward. There's a balance of good and evil on this planet - a few of the commentators seem to be bonded to the dark side, i.e. dubious credibility comments??? - A very disturbing view into the minds of anyone who is not on the victorious victim's side. She's a strong amazing woman.


Bonnie Duff
said

Rot in jail Cormier. I hope this lady can feel safe again.

SR, Alberta
said

I believe that those individuals who think that this woman could be lying or exaggerating her pain must not have followed the case very closely back when it originally occurred in 2010, otherwise they would have paid close attention to the media reports that were published at the time. I’m not saying that people do not form adulterous relationships and go into hiding with their lovers while simultaneously plotting to kill their spouses, but anyone with a grain of sense in their head can see that this poor lady is not one of those individuals. It might not be a bad idea for people who comment publicly about events like this to reread all of the articles surrounding the event, from beginning to end, in order to fully absorb the scope of the reports before spouting uninformed commentary in a public forum.


RC
said

I hope none of you have this happen to any of your family members. This trial has been a horrible experience for this woman because it has been so public and heartwrenching for this woman to go through the details of what has happened to her. She has been terrorized by this man and it has torn her world apart. Please have some decency to this woman with your comments. Respect your fellow human being and her family and please you do not comment negatively on the case because you really have no idea.


Violence against women and prejudices
said

Violence against women is not only happening in 'bad region' of the world. Where are those arguing that the cultural traditions from ‘bad’ side of the world are to be blamed? (Refer to comments about the UBC student tortured by his husband)


C.W. Moncton
said

First of all, the picture is from March 2010. His lawyers made sure he looked more presentable at trial. But thankfully, the evidence spoke for itself. This man was guilty as charged. As for the person who says that the victim also lacked credibility....I sure hope nothing like this ever happens to a member of your family. This woman and her family have been through hell and back and I pray that they can move forward, putting this in the past. I also pray that insensitive people like you don't continue to add to her pain. She's been through enough already!! Let's let them live in peace.


SBMHC--- Moncton
said

As one of the people called for jury duty on this case..(thank heavens I wasn't needed) I would like to let everyone know that When he came in to the Moncton Coliseum he did look a ton better than he did at his arrest...the only facial hair was a goatee and his hair was cut and pulled back. The question I have is: WHO THE HELL CARES ABOUT WHAT HE LOOKS LIKE ??? Congrats to the Jury on a JOB WELL DONE and now hopefully this lady can start to live her life again...heaven knows it will never be the same but hopefully with love and support from family and friends eventually it will become a distant memory...


Curious George
said

I find it strange that this woman could have been held hosage for 26 days in a basement apartment no less and no one suspected a thing. Did they find evidence of ropes and gags and a knife and gun, etc., that supports the woman's testimony of being kodnapped or did they base the conviction strictly on her verbal testimony? It would be good to know more details about what the main evidence was that the jury convicted on.


Calaudine from Cape Breton
said

Awesome News....


Cdn'tagreemoore
said

@frankfromNS - I couldn't agree more there was zero credibility on either side. This case was a joke! There was no justice done today!


Jeez
said

That trial has "mistrial" written all over it!


Dave
said

Notice how the general consensus here, is that he will get a laughable amount of time behind bars. Do politicians care? Nope. Why? because they feel crime does not affect them personally so why bother. It always takes the death of a politician, or a close family member of one, for them to notice that the offender was a parolee, like all of them, repeat offenders with a taste for mockery. It is always the same story. Ten people a year could die in traffic accidents, at a given intersection, in any town or city. The pleading for traffic lights always falls on deaf ears.."no money available...need more time for more studies". But the moment city or town council suffers a personal loss, they leap into action. Status quo.


Munro - GTA
said

You watch, this guy will server about 8 months in jail. I bet I am pretty close. And yes our 'system' is very sad.


Hang em High
said

This is a "high profile" case? Sorry, who is Cormier? He looks like a nut job, sounds like a nut job. So he's a duck. What's the fascination with these types of crimes? If he gets a light sentence, then who are the Canadians that vote for liberal minded politicians? I like the kinder gentler Canada. Back in the 50's when we had hangings and corporal punishment. Gone are the days, eh?


True North
said

Now, if they could only label him a dangerous offender they might actually keep him off the streets to repeat this hideous crime. We can only hope that the judge will go hard on him and not let him out early for "good" behaviour. I must agree with the previous comment that his lawyer should have advised him to shave and get a haircut and he probably stood a better chance at being believed for his "story" of the "truth"


Frank in NS
said

My question? How did the jury determine who the liar was? Both lacked credibility.


Paul, Ottawa
said

How long will this animal be in prison before he is released to repeat his crimes? He should be put away for the rest of his life!


Les In Ontario
said

Well, one out of three isn't bad. Actually it is bad but that's beside the point. At least the jury delivered the RIGHT verdict on this one!!! Maybe they should appoint this jury to retry Turcott!!!! And retry the Caylee case in the US.


Phil
said

I wouldn't get too excited over the conviction - chances are he will get a very easy sentence as is the way in Canada for most crimes.


dlandry
said

It's nice to know that one of the provinces have people who want to rid the street of the predators. Justice is done, not like in Quebec where the permissive society believed the children killer who knew how to play the game to be acquitted, Shame on our justice system,


DL in SW ON
said

Now how about a punishment to match the crime. Mark my words, He'll receive a 5 year sentence and will be out in 2.


B
said

Finally a jury with brains. Way to go!! Put this dirtbag away for life. These people should have been on the jury for that murdering maggot Turcotte who is going to probably go free!!!


janice
said

finally justice is done hope he's gone for life never to walk the streets again


Karen
said

Thank you to all the jury for putting so much time into this and giving the verdict that will make the Moncton streets just a little safer!


Suzanne P.
said

At least our ''Justice System'' makes sense!!! He's getting what he deserves!!!!!


Mike
said

Congratulations to the jury for getting this right. I would like to hire them for the re-trial of a different case that went VERY wrong in it's verdict just a day or so ago allowing a child murderer to get off scott free.No! This is not going away.


Lillian
said

Good! He deserves to go to jail. The jury sure did make the right decision this time. Glad the woman who suffered through this is at ease now with her family and doesnt have to look over her shoulder. Cormier is crazy and should remain in jail for good.


Amar H
said

Didn't his lawyer tell him to shave the beard??? He looks down right creepy.


HI
said

Awesome - finally justice for this lady. Wish Caylee Anthony had the same justice in the US


gerald
said

Bye Bye Romeo.


Share with your social Network:

Facebook DIGG Newsvine Delicious Twitter StumbeUpon Reddit Yahoo! Buzz

 

Advertisement

Contest

Today's Top Stories

Labour Minister Lisa Raitt appears on CTV's Power Play on Monday, May 28, 2012.

Federal government orders end to CP Rail strike

More   51 Comments 51    12 Video(s) 12

Dominic and Abby Maryk were found in Mexico four years after allegedly being abducted by their father.

Extradition sought in Winnipeg missing children case

More   4 Comments 4    3 Video(s) 3

Protesters opposing Quebec student tuition fee hikes demonstrate in Montreal, Sunday, May 27, 2012. (Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Quebec, students resume talks on tuition hikes

More   26 Comments 26    1 Video(s) 1