Close X
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
ADVT 
National

Parole Board Rules Out Overnight Leaves For Balaclava Rapist Larry Takahashi

The Canadian Press, 15 Feb, 2018 12:45 PM
    ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Documents from the Parole Board of Canada show the man known as the balaclava rapist is making some progress while on day parole, but not enough to authorize overnight leave.
     
    Larry Takahashi is serving three life sentences for multiple counts of rape, aggravated sexual assault and other attacks on 23 women in the Edmonton area in the 1970s and '80s.
     
    The 65-year-old, who committed the attacks while wearing the close-fitting headgear that covered all but his eyes and mouth, was granted day parole in August 2016 and his parole has been continued twice since then.
     
    In its decision, the board notes Takahashi has been voluntarily meeting with a psychologist and police have determined he no longer needs to report monthly to a high-risk offender unit.
     
    A correctional plan updated in January shows Takahashi's overall risk factors have declined and his case management team supports his request for overnight leave.
     
    In rejecting the application, the board says it remains concerned with the gravity of Takahashi's offences, which led to guilty pleas involving 23 victims. He also admitted that he had assaulted many more women. 
     
    "While you have been adhering to the rules, complying with conditions and being polite and agreeable with others, your risk continues to be assessed as moderate to high," the board says.
     
    The decision, release to the media on Thursday, says Takahashi needs "a slow, structured and supervised release."
     
    The two board members say they doubt overnight leave would advance Takahashi's correctional plan or measurably reduce his risk to reoffend.
     
    "The Board has determined that given your criminal history and the fact that you have spent the majority of your life incarcerated, incremental, gradual steps are imperative."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Fentanyl Increasingly Found In Drugs In Vancouver's Downtown Eastside: Study

    Fentanyl Increasingly Found In Drugs In Vancouver's Downtown Eastside: Study
    VANCOUVER — Researchers say opioid users in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside are increasingly testing positive for the potent painkiller fentanyl, which was linked to the majority of fatal overdoses in British Columbia last year.

    Fentanyl Increasingly Found In Drugs In Vancouver's Downtown Eastside: Study

    Two Men Rescued From BC Mountain Following 'Criminal Actions': RCMP

    Two Men Rescued From BC Mountain Following 'Criminal Actions': RCMP
    VANCOUVER — Police say two men have been taken to hospital following apparent "criminal actions" on a mountain north of Vancouver.

    Two Men Rescued From BC Mountain Following 'Criminal Actions': RCMP

    Women Sue B.C. Grocery Store Over Intimate Photos Allegedly Taken In Washroom

    Women Sue B.C. Grocery Store Over Intimate Photos Allegedly Taken In Washroom
    Two former employees are suing a grocery store on Vancouver Island, alleging another worker surreptitiously took intimate photos of them and posted them online without consent.

    Women Sue B.C. Grocery Store Over Intimate Photos Allegedly Taken In Washroom

    B.C. Cities Call For Tax Changes To Address Housing Affordability

    B.C. Cities Call For Tax Changes To Address Housing Affordability
    A group that represents municipalities in British Columbia is calling for significant tax and regulatory changes for a comprehensive approach to more affordable housing. 

    B.C. Cities Call For Tax Changes To Address Housing Affordability

    NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Announces Investigation Into Harassment Allegation Involving MP Erin Weir

    NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Announces Investigation Into Harassment Allegation Involving MP Erin Weir
    He says an independent investigator has been appointed to look into the allegation and that while Weir will remain a member of the NDP caucus, his duties will be curtailed pending the outcome.

    NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Announces Investigation Into Harassment Allegation Involving MP Erin Weir

    B.C.'s Senior's Advocate Says Elderly Still Not Receiving Minimum Hours Of Care

    Isobel Mackenzie says provincial guidelines require 3.36 hours of daily direct care services such as bathing or therapy for each senior but data shows just 15 per cent of all facilities met that standard last year.

    B.C.'s Senior's Advocate Says Elderly Still Not Receiving Minimum Hours Of Care