A woman in Quebec has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for throwing scalding water on a young child at the Longueuil courthouse. Stéphanie Borel, aged 47, admitted to aggravated assault last September in relation to an incident on October 2, 2024.
The victim, a 10-year-old boy, suffered second-degree burns on about four percent of his body, including his face, chest, and shoulder blade. The boy, who was walking home from school with friends, took a shortcut passing by the woman’s residence when the incident occurred.
The court heard that Borel, who lived near the boy’s school, had grown frustrated with children playing pranks on her property. On the day of the assault, she confronted the boy before he could ring her doorbell, poured boiling water on him, and told him to leave.
A publication ban was imposed to shield the boy’s identity. The court confirmed that there was no evidence of racial motivation in the attack, as Borel and the child were not acquainted.
During the sentencing hearing, the boy’s family expressed the impact of the incident on his life, emphasizing the need for a firm stance against violence towards children. Borel’s sentence took into account factors such as the risk of reoffending, the harm caused to the boy and his family, and the victim’s age.
Borel, whose bail was revoked, will serve 20 more months in prison. A family friend of the boy stated that the ruling sends a strong message against such acts of cruelty and brings a sense of relief to the affected family, allowing them to move forward and focus on healing.
