A nursing
student dubbed 'the world's sexiest criminal' has apologized for her
crime spree after agreeing to plead guilty to a string of charges that
could see her locked away for years.
Stéphanie
Beaudoin, 21, appeared in court today in Victoriaville, Quebec, to face
accusations of 114 separate crimes, including theft and illegally
possessing a stash of nine guns.
But
the striking defendant - who became a viral sensation when pictures
emerged after she was first accused - now says she's seen the error of
her ways, and is prepared for her punishment.
Smouldering
before court: Stéphanie Beaudoin, 21, agreed to plead guilty to around
30 counts of theft and firearms possession at a courthouse today in
Victoriaville, Quebec
Sensation: Beaudoin
became a viral sensation after her social media pictures convinced
internet users to dub her the 'world's sexiest criminal'
Her
lawyers today said she is prepared to enter guilty pleas to around 30
of the accusations in a plea deal which will see Canadian prosecutors
drop the rest of the charges.
In front of news crews at the courthouse today, French-speaking Beaudoin said: 'Yes, I regret my actions.
She told La Nouvelle Union: 'I acted on a whim, and at a bad time. I'm suffering the consequences now, which is the right thing, too.'
Although
the act charges she will eventually face is unclear, prosecution
lawyers have said time behind bars is likely when she next comes to
court, on December 9.
Prison? Beaudoin,
left with a friend, could be imprisoned following her guilty plea -
with the most extreme sentence being life behind bars
Apology: Beaudoin said that she is sorry for her crimes, and is prepared for whatever punishment she gets
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Legal issues: Beaudoin, pictured above with her lawyer Denis Lavigne, is due back in court next month
The maximum possible sentence is life in prison.
Canadian
authorities believe Beaudoin worked with three underage accomplices -
ages 13, 15 and 17 - to burgle residence in the Athabaska and Maple
areas.
The young accomplices are being processed by Canadian youth courts.
The nursing student and her cohorts allegedly broke into the homes using the back door or basement windows.
Viral
sensation: Beaudoin, pictured left in a bikini and right with a gun,
gained a significant fanbase after the accusation against her - and her
pictures - came to light
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History of depression: Beaudoin's lawyer said she was going through a difficult time when she committed her crimes
She
faces charges of breaking and entering, receiving stolen property, as
well as illegally owning and storing a cache of nine firearms.
Police found the guns in the back of Beaudoin's white Mitsubishi Lancer.
Her
lawyer, Denis Lavigne, said: 'I think, with the available information,
that she did what she did after a period of depression, which made
itself felt.'
A pre-sentencing report has been ordered which will give more insight into her state of mind during the crimes.
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