Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
After news earlier this week that convicted serial killer Paul Bernardo will not be granted parole, many across the country are feeling a sense of relief.
Voula Marinos, who is a Professor in the Forensic Psychology and Criminology program at Brock University, says while she isn’t surprised by the decision, she does think he’ll apply again.
The 60-year-old Bernardo told the board he was seeking day parole at a halfway house, or escorted absences from prison so that he can attend a community program for sex offenders. Both of those requests were denied.
Even over 30 years later, anytime Bernardo’s name comes up in the news – it seems like the country stops to listen. Marinos says a big part of that is because of the nature of his crimes, and the fact that it’s everyone’s worst nightmare.
Marinos says whether you’re from Niagara or not, whenever Bernardo is in the spotlight, everyone reminisces about where they were during the early 90s.
Marinos adds that she does have concerns over the process leading up to his parole hearing this time around, in regards to members of the Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy’s families originally not being able to read statements in person.
Voula Marinos (Brock University)
The ruling from the Parole Board of Canada originally said the decision was made because they couldn’t guarantee safety.
Bernardo was moved to medium security La Macaza Institution in Quebec last year, which specializes in dealing with sex offenders. He was in a maximum security prison for his last two parole hearings.
Marinos says she wonders why the safety of those in attendance at the hearings would be an issue.
Marinos echoed statements from lawyer Tim Danson, who represents the families of Mahaffy and French, in questioning who the person is that made it unsafe.
After Danson’s letter, the Parole Board of Canada overturned their decision – allowing families to give their impact statements in person. Members of Mahaffy’s family were present, while French’s mother gave her statement remotely. Danson had also requested the parole hearing be moved to December to allow both families time to travel, but that request was denied.
Marinos says it’s likely Bernardo will apply for parole again in about two years.
(Written by: Matt Latour)
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