Quebec judge's remarks about 'overweight' teen sex assault victim 'worrisome,' Crown says

A Quebec Crown prosecutoriscalling comments made by a Quebec court judge about a sexual assault victim "worrisome."

Earlier this week, Judge Jean-Paul Braun came under fire for suggestingit's not the same to consent to a kiss as it is to consent to be touched on the backside.

He made thosecomments while overseeing thetrial of a taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old passenger.

• Justice minister denounces judge's comments on teen sexual assault victim's weight

Braun also said that the victim was "a bit overweight, but she has a pretty face."

Ultimately, hefound taxi driver Carlo Figaroguilty of sexual assault.

The defence is considering an appeal of theconviction, which means the prosecution would face the challenge of defending the judge's ruling, despitehis controversial remarks.

'Errors of law'

Prosecutor Dennis Galiatsatos told the appeals court that he suspects it's possible "the judge made several errors of law" and "somewhat serious errors on the question of consent, the sexual character of certain acts, and certain worrisome comments."

But, he added, those errors would have swayed the judge in favour of the taxi driver, and yet Braun still found himguilty.

The defence has received an extension to decide whether it will file a leave to appeal the guilty ruling.

Earlier this week, Quebec Justice Minister Stphanie Vallerequested that Quebec'smagistrates councilinvestigate comments made by the judge.

Figaro is expected back in court next month for sentencing.