A member of the Codiac Regional RCMP who physically assaulted a man with restrained hands and feet during an arrest three years ago has been sentenced to four months in prison by Judge Ronald LeBlanc in Moncton provincial court.
Constable Billy Parent-Roy, aged in his early-30s, was convicted of assault causing bodily harm to Craig Hachey while detaining him at the Shediac RCMP detachment on June 29, 2022, under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act. Surveillance footage displayed during the trial revealed Parent-Roy, along with three other officers, using physical force on Hachey as they moved him from a police vehicle to a holding cell.
Parent-Roy was observed repeatedly punching, kneeing, grabbing by the neck, and standing on Hachey’s calves while he was restrained on the floor by other officers. The Crown recommended a jail term of 30 to 60 days with a one-year probation, while the defence sought an absolute discharge.
Judge LeBlanc deemed Parent-Roy’s actions as “quite serious” and a breach of trust given the victim’s inability to defend himself with bound hands and feet. The judge highlighted the severe injuries sustained by Hachey, including a fractured rib and elbow, cuts, bruises, and a black eye.
Parent-Roy’s lawyer expressed disappointment with the sentence and plans to appeal. The RCMP superintendent, Benoit Jolette, refrained from commenting on the sentence but affirmed support for Parent-Roy and his family. The officer has been on administrative leave since August 4, 2022, and faces a code of conduct hearing for a potential breach.
The National Police Federation, representing RCMP officers, was unavailable for immediate comment on the matter. The RCMP spokesperson acknowledged the impact of the incident on public trust and assured appropriate actions pending legal proceedings.