MP slams Corrections Canada’s sealed lips
The Daily Herald-Tribune (Grande Prairie, Alberta)
CALGARY — A justice advocate says the public has a right to know why a convicted killer is being released from prison on an escorted pass for four hours.
David Shearing is serving a life sentence at Bowden Institution near Red Deer for the 1982 killings of George and Edith Bentley, their daughter Jackie Johnson, son-in-law Bob and grandchildren Janet, 13, and Karen, 11.
The family was ambushed by Shearing while on a camping trip in Wells-Gray provincial park in B.C.
Corrections Canada officials say they cannot reveal details about why a prisoner is granted an escorted pass.
It is typically given for an inmate to go to a medical appointment, attend court, personal development for rehabilitative reasons or on compassionate grounds.
But Art Hanger, a retired Conservative member of Parliament, says the reason for the decision in Shearing’s case should be made public since he was denied his request for day or full parole at an Oct. 22 hearing.
''I’m concerned with the lack of accountability and the public’s right to know,’' Hanger said. ''I don’t see any justification for letting out a murderer responsible for six deaths.
''What concerns me more is we don’t have the death penalty ... it would be appropriate that this man serves a consecutive life sentence instead of serving five or six all at one time.’'
RCMP Sgt. Patrick Webb said Shearing’s release should not cause concern to the general public - who for the most part might be even unaware he is in their midst.
''It’s my understanding he is going to be escorted by Corrections officers and going to an approved destination,’' Webb said, adding Mounties would be available if needed.
Ken Graham, the mayor of Innisfail near the Bowden prison, said he has no worries the convict will pose any public risk but said he has yet to wrap his mind around the reality Shearing will one day be a free man.
''I have faith in Corrections Canada, they won’t let him escape,’' Graham said.
''But the thought of him being out in a year or two is really scary.’'
Copyright 2008 Sun Media Corporation