N.S. man with violent past to be released

A 22-year-old Nova Scotia man is about to be released from prison, even though authorities continue to have concerns about his violent behaviour.

Patrick Neil Segerts has served two-thirds of a five-year, four-month sentence for aggravated assault and armed robbery and authorities can no longer hold him.

He's due to be released to a halfway house on September 14. Correctional Services Canada would not say which halfway house he is going to, but Segerts has strong ties to Nova Scotia.

In March 2008, Segerts attacked Tanya Brooks. He hit her more than 100 times with a metal pipe. The National Parole Board noted Segerts also hit and kicked her in the face and head. She suffered a broken arm and head wounds.

The National Parole Board reviewed Segerts case at a hearing on Aug. 30 in Kingston, Ont.

At the hearing the board rejected the idea of a full release, saying Segerts is at risk to reoffend. He must return to a halfway house every night.

'From a very young age, while in elementary school, he has basically enjoyed causing people pain through violence.' — Sentencing Judge Marc Chisholm

The board noted that Segerts has 24 convictions.

"Your criminal history began at a very early age and has continued unabated with no crime-free periods," the National Parole Board said in documents.

"As well, there has been an escalation in the nature of your offending."

Segerts was initially charged with attempted murder, but later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.

Sentencing Judge Marc Chisholm noted "from a very young age, while in elementary school, he has basically enjoyed causing people pain through violence."

In its decision, the parole board ordered Segerts to stay away from his victim.

Tanya Brooks was found dead in north-end Halifax more than a year after Segerts attacked her. Her murder remains unsolved.

The parole board has imposed a long list of restriction on Segerts when he is released to a halfway house.

He must abstain from drugs and alcohol, and he is prohibited from going into any establishment, like bars, where the primary source of income is the sale of alcohol.

He's not allowed to associate with known criminals and he must undergo counselling for substance abuse and anger management.

The board also imposed a special condition because much of Segerts' income in the past has been derived from dealing drugs. Now he must provide his supervisor with full financial disclosure.