Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Ex-Decades-long Prisoner Romeo Philion Dies After Lengthy Illness

Darpan News Desk IANS, 03 Nov, 2015 11:08 AM
    TORONTO — Romeo Phillion, who spent decades behind bars protesting his innocence before he was freed and his murder conviction overturned, has passed away after a lengthy illness, supporters said Tuesday.
     
    The Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted, who fought to have Phillion exonerated, said he died Monday, a day after his admission to hospital.
     
    "Romeo will never be forgotten for his fighting spirit, sense of humour, support of other wrongly convicted and for his boyish and captivating charm," the association said in a statement.
     
    "Romeo did what he could to draw attention to the devastation that a wrongful conviction imposes on the innocent individual and their family."
     
    Phillion, who was about 80 years old, was convicted in 1972 of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of an Ottawa firefighter, Leopold Roy. The conviction was based largely on Phillion's confession, which he recanted within hours.
     
    He was jailed for life but always refused to seek parole, saying it would amount to an admission of guilt. By the time he was released pending disposition of his case, he had spent almost 32 years behind bars, becoming Canada's longest-ever serving inmate to have a murder conviction thrown out.
     
    The federal government ultimately referred his case to the Ontario Court of Appeal, which quashed his conviction and ordered a new trial in 2009. The court found that police had initially verified an alibi proving he was nowhere near the crime scene — but never told the defence about it, apparently because investigators subsequently found his story to be untrue.
     
    The Crown, arguing too much time had passed to try him again, withdrew the charge.
     
    Phillion sued for $14 million, alleging negligence and wrongdoing by prosecutors and two Ottawa police officers. The courts initially denied him the right to sue on the grounds that it would be an abuse of process but he was eventually given the go-ahead.
     
    Despite his failing health, the soft-spoken Phillion became active in supporting the fight against wrongful convictions. He attended association functions despite having to use a scooter and to carry oxygen with him, the activist group said. 
     
    "We are extremely grateful to him for his commitment to make a difference regardless of his personal challenges and losses," the association said. 
     
    Funeral arrangements had not been confirmed.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    Honey Can Destroy Harmful Fungus, Save Lives

    Honey Can Destroy Harmful Fungus, Save Lives
    Researchers from Britain have identified the effect of honey used since ancient times for the treatment of several diseases, on pathogenic fungi that can cause devastating infections in vulnerable people.

    Honey Can Destroy Harmful Fungus, Save Lives

    Most Women Unaware Of Alcohol's Role In Breast Cancer

    Most women are unaware that drinking alcohol or being obese could increase their risk of developing breast cancer, shows a Britain-based survey.

    Most Women Unaware Of Alcohol's Role In Breast Cancer

    Sex Three-four Times A Week Can Clear Kidney Stones: Study

    Sex Three-four Times A Week Can Clear Kidney Stones: Study
    Suffering from kidney stones? Well, stop gulping down beer after beer or other drinks to pass it out and prepare yourself for better action between the sheets tonight.

    Sex Three-four Times A Week Can Clear Kidney Stones: Study

    Diabetic? Daily Glass Of Red Wine Can Improve Heart Health

    Diabetic? Daily Glass Of Red Wine Can Improve Heart Health
    A glass of red wine every night may help people with Type-2 diabetes manage their cholesterol and cardiac health, suggests new research.

    Diabetic? Daily Glass Of Red Wine Can Improve Heart Health

    Don't Give Flu Shot A Miss This Season Based On Last Year's Failure, Doctors Say

    Don't Give Flu Shot A Miss This Season Based On Last Year's Failure, Doctors Say
    It's that time of year again, time for Canadians to think about getting that jab in the arm to protect themselves against the dreaded winter scourge — the flu.

    Don't Give Flu Shot A Miss This Season Based On Last Year's Failure, Doctors Say

    Few Pregnancy Deaths But Maternal Health Challenges Remain: Report

    The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics is releasing a report on Tuesday at its triennial congress saying "more work needs to be done."

    Few Pregnancy Deaths But Maternal Health Challenges Remain: Report

    PrevNext