National

'Internet Black Widow' To Be Released On Conditions, May Fight Restrictions

The Canadian Press, 15 Mar, 2016 11:37 AM

HALIFAX — An elderly woman known as the Internet Black Widow, who is scheduled to leave a Nova Scotia prison this week, has agreed to some conditions on her freedom - but may fight the restrictions at a future court date.

Melissa Ann Shepard, now in her early 80s, was sentenced in June 2013 to two years, nine months and 10 days in jail for spiking her newlywed husband's coffee with tranquilizers.

She will be released Friday in Truro, N.S., upon serving her full sentence for administering a noxious substance, after being denied parole in the fall by a two-person National Parole Board panel.

The Crown has applied for a two-year peace bond that would require Shepard to report any romantic relationships to police and allow officers to inform the person of her past history of drugging and harming men.

Some of the other conditions they are requesting include that she remain in her home after 11 p.m. until 6 a.m., report any changes in her appearance, and that she not access the Internet.

Crown prosecutor James Giacomantonio says Shepard has not agreed to the peace bond, but she has agreed to abide by the same release conditions until a court hearing on the peace bond restrictions.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Flint, Mich., Is Not Alone -- Lead Is In Canadian Pipes Too, Experts Say

Research funded by the Canadian Water Network estimates that about 60,000 households in major cities across the country still have lead service lines connecting the home to the municipal water supply.

Flint, Mich., Is Not Alone -- Lead Is In Canadian Pipes Too, Experts Say

Over $200 Million Intended For Veterans Goes Unspent In The Last Budget Year

Janice Summerby, a spokeswoman, says it is largest difference between planned and actual spending at the veterans department in the last decade.

Over $200 Million Intended For Veterans Goes Unspent In The Last Budget Year

Medical Marijuana Producers Eye Changes For Advertising Regulations

A concerted policy push is underway from Tweed Inc., Mettrum Ltd. and Bedrocan Canada Inc. — three licensed producers that operate under Health Canada's medical marijuana program.

Medical Marijuana Producers Eye Changes For Advertising Regulations

Canadian Food Banks Fear Perfect Storm From Rising Fresh Food Prices

MONTREAL — Canadian food banks hope that the pinch they're feeling from rising food prices isn't snowballing into a full-fledged crisis.

Canadian Food Banks Fear Perfect Storm From Rising Fresh Food Prices

Single Ticket Sold In Ont. Takes Saturday's $18 Million Lotto 649 Jackpot

TORONTO — There is one winning ticket for the $18 million jackpot offered in Saturday night's Lotto 649 draw, and it was sold somewhere on Ontario.

Single Ticket Sold In Ont. Takes Saturday's $18 Million Lotto 649 Jackpot

Crew Of Canadian Warship Adapting To Life At Sea On NATO Reassurance Mission

There, according to its commanding officer, the Canadian frigate and its crew of 260 will spend the next months patrolling, communicating with and sometimes visiting other ships, and making NATO's presence known in the area.