Patient sexually assaulted by former doctor left clinic 'horrified and in shock,' court hears

Female patients who were sexually assaulted by a former Manitoba doctor told a court Thursday they were left feeling "horrified" and violated by the assaults.
Manitoba Court of King's Bench heard victim impact statements from some of the women at a sentencing hearing for Arcel Bissonnette, 64, who assaulted seven women during medical appointments and examinations.
Crown prosecutors argue Bissonnette was in a position of trust and authority over each of the victims, which he breached when they came to him for medical care, and should be sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison.
The defence is seeking a nine-year sentence, citing Bissonette's age, guilty pleas and the absence of a criminal record.
"Eighteen years is no question a crushing sentence," and the Crown's request is "harsh and excessive," Bissonnette's lawyer Lisa LaBossiere told the court.
The nine years the defence proposed is still "a significant sentence," she said.
Justice Sadie Bond reserved her decision on Thursday. Bissonnette is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 29.
Bissonnette worked as a doctor at the Ste. Anne Hospital and at the Sainte-Anne Medical Centre in the small town, about 40 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg.