Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
National

Giant Mine bomber, 71, granted extension on day parole after good behaviour

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 24 Dec, 2014 06:13 PM

    A man who murdered nine people by bombing a Yellowknife mine 22 years ago continues to make "positive contributions to society" since being released from prison, a federal parole board has ruled in extending Roger Warren's day parole.

    The Parole Board of Canada granted the 71-year-old an additional six months parole on Nov. 21, stating board members found that by all accounts he is doing well and respecting conditions the board imposed.

    "While mindful that the victims of your crime remain deeply affected by your actions," reads recently obtained documents, "with no evidence that your risk is increasing and given the positive work you have done throughout your incarceration and community supervision, the Board finds that your risk to reoffend is not undue..."

    Warren was sentenced to life in prison for second degree murder in January 1995 in the killing of nine replacement workers during an acrimonious strike at the Giant Mine.

    He was found guilty of rigging a trip wire that detonated a massive dynamite explosion deep underground when it was snagged by a passing ore car holding the victims.

    He confessed to the crime 13 months later, retracted his admission at trial, but was convicted and then many years passed before he took full responsibility while in prison in 2003.

    At sentencing, the judge called the bombing "nothing less than an act of terrorism," noting many lives were devastated.

    Warren said his original motive was to disrupt mining operations and strengthen the union's bargaining position. But he later told an undercover police officer that casualties were justified in a strike that was similar to a war, state the documents.

    The board has reimposed special conditions for his release, including reintegration counselling, abstaining from alcohol and abiding by a ban on contacting victims' families.

    The two members who made the decision state that Warren has completed all recommended programming and has been deemed "highly accountable and motivated to live a law abiding life."

    "Since your incarceration your behaviour has been consistently positive, aside from one infraction in 1999," the board states. "You remained respectful in all relations, both in the institution and the community."

    The man was being held at the Mission Minimum Institute, east of Vancouver, when first granted day parole last June. He was ordered to live in a halfway house, although where he may be residing now is unclear.

    His case management team reported Warren has been diligently attending supervision meetings and has engaged in extensive volunteer work since leaving prison. They say the main challenges he's faced have involved coping with emotions relating to the murders.

    Although Warren was first eligible for day parole in October 2010, he did not apply until 2014. The documents stated he completed five months of day parole without incident.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Oil pipeline projects face litany of challenges heading into 2015

    Oil pipeline projects face litany of challenges heading into 2015
    CALGARY — At an energy conference last month, Enbridge Inc. CEO Al Monaco was bemused so many people turned out to hear what he and other pipeline bosses had to say.

    Oil pipeline projects face litany of challenges heading into 2015

    Aboriginal leader threatens legal action over teacher's Facebook comments

    Aboriginal leader threatens legal action over teacher's Facebook comments
    WINNIPEG — An aboriginal leader says a Winnipeg high school teacher should be fired immediately over social media comments about First Nations.

    Aboriginal leader threatens legal action over teacher's Facebook comments

    Assailed Manitoba premier determined to fight to the end to keep NDP leadership

    Assailed Manitoba premier determined to fight to the end to keep NDP leadership
    WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger says he will fight to the end to keep his job despite record-low poll numbers, opponents within his own ranks and the loss of some key advisers.

    Assailed Manitoba premier determined to fight to the end to keep NDP leadership

    Vanishing sea ice creates whole new Arctic for both people and places

    Vanishing sea ice creates whole new Arctic for both people and places
    Frank Pokiak remembers long days on the land, camped at traditional hunting grounds under June's 24-hour sun, secure in the knowledge that sea ice would provide a safe highway back to his Tuktoyaktuk home.

    Vanishing sea ice creates whole new Arctic for both people and places

    Manitoba fire commissioner says inspections can de done without evictions

    Manitoba fire commissioner says inspections can de done without evictions
    WINNIPEG — Manitoba's fire commissioner says First Nations could do informal housing inspections for fire hazards without mass evictions.

    Manitoba fire commissioner says inspections can de done without evictions

    Replica of HMS Erebus bell centrepiece of Franklin expedition exhibit

    Replica of HMS Erebus bell centrepiece of Franklin expedition exhibit
    TORONTO — A 3D printed replica of the brass bell from the recently found Franklin expedition ship HMS Erebus is the centrepiece of an exhibit opened Thursday at the Royal Ontario Museum.

    Replica of HMS Erebus bell centrepiece of Franklin expedition exhibit