Quebec television producer Wiseman sentenced to two years less a day for touching a minor

MONTREAL — The former producer of one of Quebec’s most popular television shows was sentenced Friday to two years less a day in prison and three years probation for sexually touching a 12-year-old girl.

Luc Wiseman, 67, was also ordered to register as a sex offender for 20 years, following a sentencing hearing at the Montreal courthouse. Wiseman pleaded guilty to one count of sexual interference in July.

Quebec Court Judge Pierre Labelle spoke directly to Wiseman’s victim as he handed down the sentence.

« There is nothing in this decision that can erase what happened, » he said. « I can only hope that your suffering will lessen over time and that the people around you will bring you all the comfort… necessary. I also salute your courage in speaking out against these acts. »

The crimes took place three times between 2020 and 2021. Wiseman fondled and kissed his victim’s breasts and touched her vagina. The identity of the victim is protected by a publication ban.

The sentence was jointly recommended by the prosecution and the defence.

Labelle said he believed Wiseman’s remorse was genuine and there was a low risk he would reoffend. The judge said he also considered Wiseman’s lack of a criminal record, his guilty plea and the fact that he had undergone therapy when determining the sentence.

However, Labelle said the offenses took a serious toll on the physical and psychological health of the victim, who suffered from stress, anxiety, panic attacks and physical pain.

All sex crimes are serious, the judge said, adding that silence and passivity are not forms of consent.

« Committing such acts deeply injures the physical integrity of a victim, » the judge said.

Wiseman, who was arrested in May 2021, was credited with 45 days in pretrial detention. Labelle also banned Wiseman from communicating with his victim — except to write him a letter of apology — and from being near a daycare center or school for five years.

Wiseman was president of Avanti Groupe, which produces “Tout le monde en parle”, one of the most popular television shows in Quebec.

He initially faced five counts – two counts were stayed and Wiseman was acquitted of producing and possessing child pornography.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on August 26, 2022.

Caroline Plante, The Canadian Press