Probe underway into wrongful release of prisoners: Clarke

Reviews are underway to determine why three men were mistakenly released from jail in a month, Nova Scotia's justice minister said Wednesday.

Cecil Clarke said even one wrongful release is too many.

"When you deal with a complex system that we have, from time to time there may be a mistake, but it's never the intention," he told reporters.

The latest incident ended early Wednesday with the arrest of Eric Latham, 23, of Dartmouth.

Latham was released from the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth more than a week ago.

Halifax Regional Police picked him up on Jan. 12. Soon after, the supervisor on duty at the jail misread the police paperwork and told Latham he was free.

RCMP said Latham had a loaded revolver with him when they arrested him Wednesday.

Two other men turned themselves in after they were released in error from Nova Scotia jails over the past month.

Guy Rudolph Beaudoin, accused of assault, was released from the Dartmouth facility on Dec. 13.

Douglas Edward Young, charged with sexual assault, was released from the Cape Breton Correctional Facility on Jan. 11, due to what officials called "a communications oversight."

Clarke said he will consult with the public prosecution service, corrections officials and the police.

"We'll make sure that all the protocols are in place so this is not going to happen again. Again, it's unfortunate, and one is too many, and at the same time, we've taken responsible action," he said.

NDP calls for independent investigation

Clarke said he will wait to hear back from each division before he decides what to do.

NDP justice critic Bill Estabrooks wants the justice minister to appoint an independent investigator to review all three incidents.

"There has to be more accountability on this issue," said Estabrooks.

The Liberal justice critic, Michel Samson, said with three incidents in a month, it's clear a review of release protocols is needed and that improvements must be made.

Samson said he also wants to know why it took the Department of Justice 11 days to make the information about Latham public.

"We are talking about an accused violent offender. The public has a right to know so they can take extra precautions, if they choose," he said in a release.