Gang member plans to resume criminal ways on release: report

An unrepentant Manitoba gang member, set for release from prison next week, has said he will continue to commit crime.

Christopher Brass, a 28-year-old member of the Indian Posse, is nearing the completion of a 6½-year sentence for a violent robbery spree and for assaulting a prison guard. He has served the entire sentence behind bars, which is unusual in Canada where prisoners are often released after serving two-thirds of their time.

He will be freed on July 14.

According to parole board documents, Brass refused to get help while in prison, which is why he was not released early. The documents also state that he will likely reoffend.

Brass has admitted plans to continue his criminal lifestyle, according to court documents obtained by CBC News. The reports state that Brass said he would continue to commit crime and collect welfare.

Police are cited in the report as saying Brass assaults people for sheer enjoyment and thinks robbery is the easiest way to make a buck.

They were so concerned about him being back on the streets that they requested a special court order — and won. For the next two years, Brass will be bound by a peace bond forcing him into counselling.

The order also allows police to conduct curfew checks and require Brass to notify them if he changes his address.

Such orders are typical for convicted people who avoid jail with a conditional sentence, or are released from prison early. Requesting an order for a gang member who has completed his entire sentence is not something the Winnipeg police service has ever done before.