Sem Obed, released high-risk offender, moving to Halifax

A high-risk sex offender, who officials believe could kill or seriously harm, is moving to Halifax.

Sem Paul Obed, 43, has more than 30 convictions for many crimes dating to 1984, including:

• Attempted murder
• Sexual assaults
• Assault with a weapon

Obed left a federal penitentiary Thursday morning after completing his two-year sentence for assault causing bodily harm and breach of probation. Obed said he would live in Halifax.

In 2012, he pleaded guilty to beating up a female bartender in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L. That conviction prompted another woman he attacked in her home to speak out against Obed. He beat her unconscious and she awoke three days later in hospital.

According to a Parole Board of Canada decision “there are reasonable grounds to believe that you are likely to commit an offence causing death or serious harm.”

The decision establishes a pattern of brutality that began at an early age. Obed, according to the parole board, is “desensitized” to the use of violence.

His charges range from sexual assault to attempted murder. One incident involved sexual assault against a toddler, but it did not result in criminal charges.

He’s used a knife, skate and even a  vacuum cleaner nozzle to physically assault his victims.

“On one occasion, police believed you would have killed your victim if neighbours hadn’t intervened,” reads the parole board document.

In another case, Obed attacked a couple with a knife and stole panties from the home. Police believe he planned to rape and kill the woman, who he knew from school.

'No remorse'

While incarcerated, he used a shank to repeatedly sexually assault another inmate.

“You have no remorse for your behaviour and no empathy for your victims,” reads the decision.

Obed has refused to take part in any sex offender program. The case management team says there are no adequate supervision strategies available to manage Obed’s behaviour.

The board notes that Obed is a direct descendant of the Labrador Inuit, who were dislocated by the government. He was removed from his family and spent time in custody.

“Your childhood was characterized by dysfunction and abuse…. You developed a negative view of women and perceive them as objects to satisfy the needs of men and subject to power of control of men.”

Obed's release comes with a list of conditions. He must abstain from the consumption, purchase and possession of alcohol; abstain from entering any place where alcohol is sold or consumed as the primary source of business; and remain in his residence every day between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Obed stands five feet 11 inches and weighs 170 pounds.

“This information is provided to alert members of the public of his presence in our community," said Halifax Regional Police Const. Pierre Bourdages.

"Any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct will not be tolerated.”