Doris Broussie was 40 years old at the time of her death in Aug. 2021. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Prince Albert manslaughter case results in 4.5 year sentence

Dec 9, 2024 | 1:00 PM

A violent assault that occurred outside a Prince Albert bar, was unprovoked and fueled by alcohol.

Those were among the details heard during Monday morning’s sentencing hearing for Francine Ballantyne at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert. After entering a guilty charge to manslaughter, the 31-year-old received a 4.5 year prison sentence for the death of Doris Broussie in August, 2021.

The case was initially scheduled for a five-day trial, however, Crown Prosecutor Doug Howell noted the considerable discussions that had occurred between himself and defence lawyer Peter Abrametz. Jr. that led to the resolution.

On August 5, 2021, police and paramedics were called to the Shell Gas Bar at Marquis Road and second Ave. W.

Broussie was found slumped over a parking curb and was transported immediately to hospital. She was unconscious but she was breathing.

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After arriving at Victoria Hospital, it was determined she was suffering from a brain injury, and was then transferred to Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. However, due to capacity issues, she was then transferred to St Paul’s hospital where she remained for two more days before passing away.

While bring led to the van, Ballantyne mouthed off to the deputy sheriffs. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

According to the facts read in court, and as captured by the security cameras at Fuel Stop, Broussie was tossed to the ground before Ballantyne proceeded to stomp on and kick her in the head.

Broussie was able to get back up and along with a friend, walked to the nearby Shell Gas bar, and that’s where she passed out.

Her blood alcohol at the time was .429 but the pathologist who performed the autopsy did not believe this contributed to her death. The official cause was determined to be blunt force trauma.

While reading from Ballantyne’s five page criminal record, Howell noted four previous convictions for violence, including two for aggravated assault, and another assault with a weapon.

The typical range for sentencing is four to 12 years. Howell noted had the case gone to trial there would have been challenges with respect to witness testimony; the brief video footage that was recorded from distance; and the role alcohol played in the offence.

While the facts were read in court, Ballantyne sat in the prisoner’s box with her hands behind her head and when given the opportunity to speak or apologize, shook her head, indicating to Justice R.S. Smith she had no comment. At the conclusion of sentencing, she stood up and while the facing the gallery, had a smile on her face.

Abrametz explained there was an issue with addictions, and stated his client had no idea why she attacked Broussie. Going forward he also noted her desire to seek out programming and to finish her Grade 12.

With credit for time spent in pre-sentence custody (945 days), Ballantyne has roughly two years left to serve.

Upon being released from custody, she’ll be prohibited for life from owning or possessing any guns or explosives.

There were no victim impact statements provided and within the courtroom, there were no members of Broussie’s family. Howell mentioned difficulty getting in contact with them but added she has a large family and was loved very much.

According to Broussie’s obituary, she was living in Prince Albert at the time of the violent incident but was originally from Black Lake.

She had a daughter and a son.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell