(Posted 8:30 a.m., Feb. 23)
Scott Ledoux stabbing accused found guilty of manslaughter
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

Ben Taylor has been convicted of manslaughter in the 2012 stabbing death of Scott Ledoux (pictured above). File photo

The young man charged with second degree murder in the St. Patrick's Day stabbing death of Scott Ledoux, has been found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter which will likely come with a sentence of three to five years less time served.

Ben Taylor, 19, stabbed Ledoux seven times while the pair were entangled in a fight in Taylor's basement apartment on Cousineau Street. The Crown accused Taylor of willfully stabbing the older and bigger man while they were both standing, knowing full well that his actions would probably cause serious injury or even death.

Taylor's defence lawyer, Pat McCann, established a slightly different story, arguing that his client retrieved the kitchen knife before confronting Ledoux because he feared for his safety. McCann also said that Ledoux was on top of Taylor, showering him with punches, when Ledoux stabbed upwards in attempt to fend him off.

Witnesses recollections of the fight differed leaving the jury with little choice but to find Taylor guilty of manslaughter, which didn't sit well with the Taylor's parents who felt their son should have been found not guilty for reasons of self defence.

“When a skinny, scrawny 18-year-old is being attacked, beaten up, in his own home he was given no right to defend himself,” his mother Caroline Taylor said. "I am appalled.”

On the other side of the court room, Ledoux's parents told the media through the investigating detective that they were satisfied with the verdict.

“They felt the verdict was fair and they hold no animosity towards Ben Taylor’s family and they hope he moves on with his life and he learns from this experience to be a better person,” Det. Rick McIntosh said.

Taylor will return to court for sentencing at a later date.

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