Karim Jean-Gilles sentenced to 4 years in prison

Desiring to send a clear message, a judge on Friday condemned the owner of a pit bull who disfigured a girl from 7 years to four years of penitentiary, a year longer than what the Crown asked.

"It's a case of gross and extreme negligence. The accused was aware of the danger and did nothing to remove it. In short, the table was set for a disaster, "said Judge Pierre Bélisle.

"The risk of reoffending is high, given his indifference and disregard for the law," he continued.

Last month, at the Longueuil courthouse, the magistrate had found Karim Jean-Gilles guilty of criminal negligence causing injuries to little Vanessa Biron.

This verdict relieved the girl's parents. "It's a chapter that closes, we look to the future," said Bernard Biron after the hearing.

Vanessa Biron's parents were not at court Friday morning to hear Karim Jean-Gilles' sentence.

The latter is the first dog owner in Quebec to have been convicted of a crime of this type after a trial. In the few rare cases of similar offenses in Quebec, the accused pleaded guilty.

On September 20, 2015, Vanessa Biron went to the Marquise Park in Brossard with her mom and younger sister.

Karim Jean-Gilles' mother was also there, with her son's two dogs, who had neither leash nor necklace.

Without warning and for no apparent reason, the pitbull rushed on Vanessa. The 7-year-old girl tried to run away, but the dog threw her to the ground and bit her in the face.

Enraged, the animal dragged the child for at least three meters. Vanessa's mother tried to protect her by making a shield with her own body.

Mr. Jean-Gilles knew full well that his pit bull and his bullmastiff were dangerous, according to the judge.

He had already received tickets for the behavior of his dogs, but he did not take them into account.

The 35-year-old has a well-stocked criminal record.