Quebec man who ordered 2 murders gets 35 years in first consecutive sentences imposed in province

Benjamin Hudon-Barbeau was handed consecutive terms of life and 10 years. Laws in Quebec were changed in 2011 to allow for consecutive sentences in multiple murder cases.

A Quebec man convicted of ordering two murders and two attempted murders has been sentenced to 35 years in prison before he can become eligible for parole.

Benjamin Hudon-Barbeau was handed consecutive terms of life and 10 years.

The Crown prosecutor in the case said Wednesday it is the first time consecutive sentences have been imposed in Quebec since laws were changed in December 2011 to allow for them in multiple murder cases.

A jury found the 41-year-old guilty last November of first-degree murder, second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder for having ordered attacks carried out by a hit man in 2012.

The Crown had been seeking 50 years but says it is satisfied with the sentence, calling Hudon-Barbeau a danger to society who is no longer manageable.

Hudon-Barbeau is also known for his part in a spectacular helicopter escape from the Saint-Jerome detention centre in March 2013 for which he was sentenced in December to 16 years behind bars.