Bet ColbyRulesAll wishes he had TRho's sports connections

Hockey legend Guy Lafleur and his son Mark appeared together at the Montreal courthouse in 2007

Hall of famer Guy Lafleur guilty of obstructing justice

May 1, 2009

MONTREAL - Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur has been found guilty of obstructing justice by giving contradictory evidence at a bail hearing in September 2007 for his troubled son Mark Lafleur.

Lafleur failed to tell the court that his son, Mark, broke his bail conditions when he spent two nights in a hotel with a 16-year-old girl.

At the time, the younger Lafleur was on bail on several charges, including assault. He was staying at a halfway house, but after breaking his conditions, was sent back to prison.

The maximum penalty for perjury is 14 years in jail. However, the Crown is seeking a conditional sentence for Lafleur to be served in the community, saying he doesn't pose a danger to society.

Lafleur, a National Hockey League hall of famer, showed no emotion when the verdict was announced.

In sentencing arguments, Crown prosecutor Lori Weitzman said just because Lafleur is a public personality, he shouldn't be treated any differently than anyone else who lies to the court.

"Justice has to be applied equally," she said.

The defence argued that Lafleur has suffered enough, given all the publicity the case has attracted, and should therefore only be fined.

His lawyer, Jean-Pierre Rancourt, requested an absolution, since a criminal record would hinder Lafleur's frequent travel to the United States.

The sentence will be rendered June 8.

Mark Lafleur, 24, is now serving 15 months house arrest on several drug, drunk driving and assault charges after pleading guilty to 23 counts, including 13 involving his ex-girlfriend.

His father has filed a $3.5-million civil suit against the police and prosecutor involved in issuing the arrest warrant for him, which resulted in international headlines.