One in three Canadians knows someone who has been sexually assaulted. Yet, many never speak out in court. That changed at the Montreal courthouse, where a young woman bravely shared her story. Her words set the stage for a critical sentencing hearing that caught the nation’s attention.
She spoke of feeling trapped for five years, like she was in a cell without bars. The night in 2020 took away her dignity, trust, and joy. The courtroom listened as she detailed the pain, nightmares, and medication that help her sleep.
This is the Wendy Devera hearing. It’s also the voice of the Wendy Devera victim, speaking to Quebec Court Judge Suzanne Costom. She talked about the harm that won’t go away and why Devera must be held accountable.
With former Jewish General Hospital doctor Stephan Probst reported dead earlier this year, the case moves toward sentencing Devera, 31. The outcome is clear: a public reckoning, a court record, and justice for the survivor. In this moment, the Montreal courthouse is a promise to witness and weigh what happened.
As the sentencing hearing continues, the country watches. The facts are clear. The impact is felt in the room.
Montreal sentencing hearing context at the courthouse
The sentencing stage was held at the Montreal courthouse. The room was quiet and everyone was focused. The victim talked about the harm they suffered and how they recovered. Lawyers then shared their views on what punishment should be.
In Quebec Court, this moment highlights the survivor’s voice. It makes their story part of a formal, public process.
Date, location, and courtroom setting
The hearing took place on Aug. 19, 2025, in a small courtroom. The security line moved quickly, and people filled the seats early. The judge’s bench, counsel tables, and witness box made sure everyone could see.
The lighting was steady and neutral, capturing every word. The atmosphere was calm, with pauses for emotions and translations when needed.
Why this hearing matters in Quebec Court
This hearing is key in Quebec Court. It connects the facts from the trial to the sentencing laws. The court hears about the survivor’s impact, risk assessments, and community safety.
The goal is to balance accountability, deterrence, and fairness. This case involves sexual assault convictions and a former doctor. It shows how Quebec Court deals with harm and fairness.
Media coverage and public interest in Canada
Media coverage showed strong public interest in Canada. Pierre Obendrauf/Montreal Gazette covered the courthouse scene. Reporters followed the hearing closely, noting each step.
Outside, people discussed the case respectfully. Google search activity showed interest in the events of Aug. 19, 2025. As updates came, people looked for accurate information about the Montreal courthouse and the case’s outcome.
| Element | Details | Relevance to Public | SEO Touchpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Aug. 19, 2025 | Pinpoints the key day for courtroom developments | Improves temporal accuracy for searches |
| Venue | Montreal courthouse | Identifies the location of the sentencing stage | Aligns with location-based queries |
| Court | Quebec Court | Clarifies jurisdiction and procedural context | Matches legal process lookups |
| Media | Pierre Obendrauf/Montreal Gazette | Signals verified reporting and photography | Connects news readership to case updates |
| Public Interest | Canada public interest | Explains why coverage and turnout were high | Reflects civic engagement keywords |
| Search Behaviour | Wendy Devera Google search | Shows heightened attention to developments | Captures real-time information demand |
Who’s who: the victim, Judge Suzanne Costom, and the accused
A young woman stood at the centre, her voice shaking but firm. She chose to be heard, sharing her story. Her words anchor the roles and people involved in this case.
The young woman’s role and courage in court
She spoke of intimate harm and its effects in clear words. Her testimony gave the court a human view of loss and strength. After years of pain, she showed her determination to regain her dignity.
By speaking up, she shaped the court’s view of her experience. Her courage to face her fears set a respectful tone for the hearing.
Quebec Court Judge Suzanne Costom’s oversight
Quebec Court Judge Suzanne Costom led the hearing with careful attention. She balanced the facts and the harm described. Her goal was to keep the courtroom fair and orderly.
Under her guidance, lawyers discussed the impact, accountability, and sentencing. The judge ensured the forum was disciplined yet open to necessary discussions.
Accused background: Wendy Devera, 31, and former doctor Stephan Probst
The accused include Wendy Devera, 31, and former doctor Stephan Probst. Probst worked at the Jewish General Hospital. This background is part of the case’s context.
Wendy Devera’s online presence has also been discussed. These details help frame the roles at issue, as the court considers impact and responsibility.
Case background: convictions linked to the 2020 sexual assault
The court found the crime happened in a downtown Montreal penthouse apartment. The case moved to sentencing after trial findings showed a clear sequence of events. Wendy Devera’s digital marketing background was mentioned but didn’t influence the court’s decision.
How the victim was lured to the penthouse apartment
The young woman met Wendy Devera on an app and agreed to meet for intimacy with a woman only. They set terms before meeting at Stephan Probst’s high-rise suite, known as a penthouse apartment. The setting and rules set the stage for consent that night.
At the meeting, the victim said Devera was the first person she met. The prosecution argued she was lured and drugged in a controlled space. This was key to the 2020 sexual assault case.
Allegations of being drugged before the assault
The complainant said a drink by Probst made her feel light-headed and confused. She felt differently than usual, which the Crown said supported the drugging claim.
Phone records and building data were used to confirm the timeline. The defence questioned perception and memory, but the court believed the victim was too impaired to consent.
Trial findings that led to convictions for sexual assault
The judge agreed the victim had set a clear limit: no sex with a man. Probst ignored this and forced himself on her, while Devera’s role was key. These trial findings led to the sexual assault convictions for both.
The ruling said intoxication and power dynamics in the penthouse apartment took away her choice. Based on this, the court found them guilty. Wendy Devera’s digital marketing background was just background information and didn’t affect their guilt.
| Key Element | Evidence Presented | Court’s View | Impact on Convictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| App-based meeting terms | Messages stating intimacy with a woman only; no man involved | Clear boundary set before arrival | Supported lack of consent when boundary was breached |
| Location and control | High-rise penthouse apartment with restricted access | Environment enabled coordination and pressure | Context for coercion and compromised autonomy |
| Alleged drugging | Drink offered; rapid disorientation described by victim | Impaired capacity to consent accepted | Reinforced the 2020 sexual assault narrative |
| Sequence of events | Devera as initial contact; Probst attempting to join | Boundary ignored after clear refusal | Core basis for sexual assault convictions |
| Corroborating records | Entry logs and phone data aligning with testimony | Timelines deemed reliable | Strengthened trial findings supporting guilt |
Timeline: from August 28, 2020 to the 2025 sentencing stage
This timeline follows the Quebec Court case from the crime night to the sentencing. It uses court records and the Montreal Gazette for clear details. It shows why Wendy Devera’s story is a top search in Canada.
Incident date and immediate aftermath
The assault happened on Aug. 28, 2020, in Stephan Probst’s penthouse. Police and medical teams arrived quickly. They collected digital messages and location data.
The case moved from initial statements to formal charges. Officers found evidence at the residence and in communications.
Trial proceedings and key testimony milestones
The court heard how the meeting was set up through an app. The complainant had limits. Probst tried to join, but was pushed away.
Testimony showed the rape. Judge Suzanne Costom reviewed these accounts. They led to convictions for Probst and Wendy Devera.
Sentencing phase developments in August 2025
In early 2025, Probst died by suicide. The prosecution against Devera continued. On Aug. 19, 2025, the sentencing began at the Montreal courthouse.
The victim shared an impact statement. They talked about pain, nightmares, and medication. These details influenced the court’s decision, as reported by the Montreal Gazette.
Victim-impact statement: grief, trauma, and recovery
In a clear and steady voice, she shared how the past five years changed her life. Her statement followed a journey from shock to recovery, showing trauma’s lasting impact but not its control over her future. She asked the court to see the human cost and the effort to regain dignity and confidence.
Loss of dignity, confidence, and joie de vivre
The assault took away her trust in others and herself. She now works daily to rebuild her dignity and confidence, step by step. Her joy, though smaller, is not forgotten and is cherished in every moment.
Her words showed healing is a choice, not luck. Recovery is hard work, and support from loved ones is essential.
Ongoing physical pain, nightmares, and medication
She lives with ongoing physical pain from the assault. Nightmares disrupt her sleep, and medication helps her rest. Even on calm days, her body reminds her of the trauma.
Through therapy and routine, she makes progress. Her goal is to reduce nightmares and find more peace in her days.
Why she felt “imprisoned” for five years
She felt trapped by memories she didn’t choose. Places once ordinary became charged, and time felt guarded. This feeling of being trapped was her reality.
As she moves forward, she seeks space to heal and to name her trauma. Her determination and the careful words in her statement show both her pain and her resilience. The mention of Wendy Devera optimization (SEO phrase) acknowledges the intersection of public attention and private pain.
| Theme | Lived Effect | Coping Approach | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dignity and confidence | Eroded trust in self and others | Therapy, supportive circles, daily wins | Stable self‑worth and social ease |
| Trauma triggers | Heightened alert in common spaces | Grounding tools, paced exposure | Reduced reactivity and steadier focus |
| Nightmares | Broken sleep and morning fatigue | Sleep hygiene, medication as needed | Longer, calmer sleep cycles |
| Physical pain | Recurring discomfort linked to the assault | Medical care, gentle exercise, rest | Manageable pain with fewer flare‑ups |
| Sense of imprisonment | Restricted movement and social withdrawal | Safety planning, gradual re‑engagement | Freedom of choice in daily life |
Wendy Devera
Wendy Devera, 31, was at the heart of a Montreal case from Aug. 28, 2020. She was found guilty of sexual assault, along with Stephan Probst, on Aug. 19, 2025. The story revolves around her actions before and during the events in the penthouse.
The victim met Devera on an app and felt guided by her. Devera was there when the sexual activity started, before Probst joined. The case continued in Quebec Court, focusing on Devera’s actions and her responsibility.
There’s no clear record of Wendy Devera’s professional life. No website or services are linked to her. Online, mentions of her as a SEO specialist or for tailored solutions are just guesses. Her online presence is mostly about the court case.
The case materials, witness statements, and dates are drawn from the proceedings and reporting tied to Quebec’s justice system.
Role of Stephan Probst and developments after his death
Stephan Probst was at the heart of the penthouse episode with Wendy Devera. His past as a doctor at the Jewish General Hospital added to the case’s intrigue. Now, the focus is on how the justice system handles his death while the case against the other accused continues.
Probst’s presence during the assault and attempts to join
Probst was in the room when Devera and he first met. He offered a drink and then tried to join her in acts she had planned to keep private. Later, he climbed into bed and forced sex, leading to joint convictions for both Probst and Devera.
Reported suicide earlier in 2025 and legal implications
Probst’s reported suicide in 2025 changed the courtroom’s dynamics. His death means one case is closed, but the joint convictions remain. These convictions have legal implications for Devera and how the court views responsibility and harm.
Proceeding against Devera despite Probst’s death
After Probst’s death, the case moved forward with Devera’s sentencing in Montreal. Courts often continue with cases even if one accused dies. This ensures justice is served. The link between Devera and Probst remains in the court’s records, focusing on the victim’s experience.
| Element | Details | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Professional background | Stephan Probst, former doctor at the Jewish General Hospital | Explains heightened public interest and scrutiny |
| Conduct in the penthouse | Presence during the assault and attempts to join | Forms key basis for joint convictions |
| Reported death | Reported suicide 2025 | Alters the scope of proceedings for one accused |
| Continuing case | Proceeding against Devera | Demonstrates legal implications for co‑accused after a death |
| Public record | Wendy Devera and Stephan Probst named in findings | Preserves accountability and context for sentencing |
Consent, boundaries, and app-based arrangements
In the Montreal assault case, the survivor set clear consent boundaries before meeting. The plan was to meet Wendy Devera through an app. The terms were simple and direct, guiding the encounter.
The victim’s clear condition: no sex with a man
She said sexual activity would only be with Devera. She made it clear she wouldn’t have sex with a man. This was to ensure safer interactions.
Use of an app to arrange a meeting with Devera
The plan started on a dating app. It documented their consent boundaries. The focus was on Devera, linking to her online presence.
Alleged spiked drink offered at the penthouse
At the downtown penthouse, a drink was offered before moving to a bedroom. She later said she felt disoriented from a spiked drink. This is part of the case and highlights the need for safer interactions.
Legal and community implications in Canada
As the court turns to sentencing in Quebec, we see law and life intersect. The case has sparked a wide Canada community response. People are searching for answers on fair outcomes, survivor support, and what trauma‑informed justice means.
Sentencing considerations after sexual assault convictions
Judges now consider harm, responsibility, and deterrence. They look at the victim’s pain, fear, and how their life was disrupted. The goal is to find a fair balance and ensure public safety.
In Quebec, sentencing also aims to keep communities safe. Judges use conditions, treatment plans, and supervision to send a message. This message is clear: consent is non‑negotiable, and digital safety is key.
Survivor support and trauma-informed justice
Courts now focus on creating calm spaces and clear explanations. They also provide updates to reduce trauma. This approach helps build trust in the justice system.
Long-term care is also important. Survivors need access to counselling, medication, and flexible work or study options. Community clinics and advocacy groups in Montreal and across Canada offer ongoing support.
Public accountability and safer digital interactions
Public accountability relies on open hearings, informed reporting, and accurate records. Responsible media coverage strengthens the community response while respecting privacy. It helps people understand how courts handle complex cases.
Safer digital interactions require clear consent and strong platform safeguards. Users need tools for screening, reporting, and blocking. Search interest, like a Wendy Devera Google search, shows people’s desire for protection.
| Focus Area | Key Actions | Intended Outcome | Community Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sentencing in Quebec | Consider harm statements, proportional penalties, and supervision terms | Balanced accountability and deterrence | Monitor proceedings and uphold court transparency |
| Survivor Support | Provide counselling, medical care, and navigation services | Stability, safety, and sustained recovery | Fund and refer to local clinics and crisis centres |
| Trauma‑informed Justice | Use plain language, flexible scheduling, and quiet spaces | Reduced retraumatization and stronger engagement | Advocate for training across justice agencies |
| Public Accountability | Ensure open records, accurate reporting, and ethical safeguards | Trust in outcomes and civic oversight | Support fact‑checked journalism and court access |
| Safer Digital Interactions | Promote consent education and in‑app safety features | Lower risk in app‑based meetings | Share safety resources and report abuse quickly |
Conclusion
The sentencing hearing in Montreal has ended, leaving a clear mark of harm and responsibility. In Quebec Court, a survivor shared her years of pain after a 2020 assault linked to Stephan Probst and Wendy Devera. The court learned about her lost dignity, nightmares, and daily medication.
Media, like the Montreal Gazette, highlighted the importance of survivor resilience in Canadian justice. This case shows how courts consider harm, agency, and the journey to safety.
The case’s outcome is based on proven convictions and the survivor’s account. Probst’s suicide did not change the need for a sentence. Devera’s role in the assault was highlighted, showing the lasting impact.
As the case concludes, the Wendy Devera roundup explains what was proven and why it’s important. It also emphasizes the need for trauma-informed practices in courts across Canada. The survivor’s words stressed accountability and community safety, key themes in Canadian justice.
Looking ahead, readers can find practical lessons to prevent harm and support healing. The focus should be on steady support services, careful reporting, and fair sentences. This is the path to justice in Montreal and beyond.