Close X
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
ADVT 
National

Robert Latimer appeals parole board decision restricting international travel

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Jan, 2015 03:55 PM

    The lawyer for Robert Latimer says his client is appealing a parole board decision that prevents him from travelling freely outside Canada.

    A Federal Court judge ruled in September that there was nothing to indicate the 60-year-old Saskatchewan farmer is a danger and should be prevented from travelling internationally.

    The judge ordered the Parole Board of Canada's appeal division to reconsider the case.

    But in November, the board said it wouldn't lift the restriction, ruling Latimer has yet to show that he is capable of reporting to authorities with complete transparency.

    Lawyer Jason Gratl said Monday his client is being deprived of reasonable parole conditions.

    "I'm deeply troubled by the pattern that's emerging of the Parole Board of Canada ignoring what judges have had to say about Mr. Latimer and the fact that he doesn't pose a risk to society," Gratl said.

    Latimer was given a life sentence for the 1993 second-degree murder of his 12-year-old daughter, Tracy, who had severe cerebral palsy. He put her in the cab of his truck on his family's farm near Wilkie, Sask., and piped exhaust inside.

    Latimer has always said he wanted to end his child's chronic, excruciating pain.

    He was released on full parole, with some conditions, in 2010.

    The board denied Latimer's request in 2013 to leave Canada without first applying for a limited-time passport. He appealed that ruling and it was upheld by the board's appeal division. He then took his case to the Federal Court in Vancouver.

    "(Judge Michael Manson) found there was no evidence sufficient to deprive Mr. Latimer of the right to travel internationally," Gratl said. "What has occurred, though, is on reconsideration, perhaps failing to take into account Mr. Justice Manson's reasons for judgment, the Parole Board of Canada has again refused to lift the international travel restriction for Mr. Latimer's terms of release."

    In its decision, the board said that although Latimer is a low risk to society, "a level of risk continues to be present."

    "It is concerning to the board ... that we read on file that there has been no change in your thinking and level of rationalization which led to the offence," the board wrote in November.

    "You continue to deny this was a murder and believe what you did was the right thing to do. This represents a level of risk."

    Gratl said the appeal was submitted Dec. 29 and it could take several weeks for a decision. He added that his client will continue to appeal the travel restriction if the latest attempt is unsuccessful.

    "I think we're approaching the point where it might be fair for a reasonable observer to conclude that the Parole Board of Canada has something of a vendetta against Mr. Latimer," Gratl said. "They continue to deprive him of reasonable conditions of parole on the basis of no evidence, or flimsy evidence."

    Gratl has said that if the travel restriction were lifted, Latimer would still inform his parole officer of travel plans and maintain contact by phone while abroad.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Avian Flu Confirmed In Ninth Barn In B.C. Fraser Valley; 7,000 More Birds Affected

    Avian Flu Confirmed In Ninth Barn In B.C. Fraser Valley; 7,000 More Birds Affected
    VANCOUVER — Federal officials say avian influenza has been detected in a ninth poultry barn in British Columbia's Fraser Valley.

    Avian Flu Confirmed In Ninth Barn In B.C. Fraser Valley; 7,000 More Birds Affected

    U.S. Agents Nab Burnaby Manslaughter Suspect And Return Him To Canada

    U.S. Agents Nab Burnaby Manslaughter Suspect And Return Him To Canada
    BURNABY, B.C. — A 20-year-old Vancouver man is in custody on a manslaughter charge after being arrested at Seattle's airport.

    U.S. Agents Nab Burnaby Manslaughter Suspect And Return Him To Canada

    Quebec cop accused of roughing up students to be tried under streamlined process

    Quebec cop accused of roughing up students to be tried under streamlined process
    MONTREAL — The Crown will use a streamlined process to deal with an assault charge against a Montreal police officer who gained notoriety during Quebec's student protests.

    Quebec cop accused of roughing up students to be tried under streamlined process

    Guitar Signed By Mccartney, Clapton, Beck Stolen From West Vancouver Store

    Guitar Signed By Mccartney, Clapton, Beck Stolen From West Vancouver Store
    VANCOUVER — A guitar graced with the signatures of music legends including Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck has been reported stolen from a store in West Vancouver.

    Guitar Signed By Mccartney, Clapton, Beck Stolen From West Vancouver Store

    Darwin a poster monkey for sanctuary's fundraising campaign

    Darwin a poster monkey for sanctuary's fundraising campaign
    SUNDERLAND, Ont. — The Ikea monkey has shed his shearling coat and may soon be moving to a new home.

    Darwin a poster monkey for sanctuary's fundraising campaign

    Dispute over fishery deal not resolved after premier meets with PM

    Dispute over fishery deal not resolved after premier meets with PM
    OTTAWA — Newfoundland and Labrador's premier is still at odds with the prime minister over a fishery fund to compensate for Canada's free trade deal with Europe.

    Dispute over fishery deal not resolved after premier meets with PM