A Montreal man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a list of charges, including impaired driving causing death, in connection with the 2023 death of a woman who was struck and killed while walking across the street in Little Italy.
Her name was Fabienne Houde-Bastien, and she was 32 years old when she crossed Jean-Talon Street at Saint-Laurent Boulevard and was struck by a drunk driver speeding through a red light.
The driver of the Hyundai, Vi Trung Ngo, crashed into a Volkswagen and rolled over Houde-Bastien and killed her.
“What the evidence revealed is that Mr. Ngo was driving at 80 kilometres an hour in a 50 zone, ran a red light, therefore hit a vehicle which ultimately hit Houde-Bastien,” said prosecutor Anik Archambault. “The alcohol level also was almost four times the limit, which is very serious in this matter.”
Reports show that Ngo’s blood alcohol was so high that he could barely stand when police arrived.
The 47-year-old also owned a garage in the north of the city and the car he was driving belonged to a customer.
In addition, he has a history of driving infractions, including driving without a license.
“He pled guilty to have taken the car without the consent of the owner that had left it,” said Archambault
Houde-Bastien’s family is still grieving the tragedy and was present when a plaque and paid of “ghost shoes” were installed to honour her and remind the public of the dangers pedestrians face in the city.
They were in the courtroom on Wednesday.
“It was important for the family to be here,” said Archambault. “Obviously, it’s a dramatic event and they are still suffering from their loss.”
The judge will now deliberate and decide how much time Ngo will spend behind bars for his crimes.
A sentencing hearing will be held at the end of August.
Ngo remains out on bail until that time.
