Latimer loses appeal on parole
There is nothing wrong with a recent decision on Robert Latimer's parole conditions, the appeals division of the National Parole Board has ruled.
The Saskatchewan man is serving a life sentence for killing his disabled daughter, Tracy, 12, in 1993. He is currently on day parole in British Columbia.
In August Latimer, 56, asked the board to let him spend more time in the community. When the board turned down that request, Latimer appealed.
On Friday, the board released an edited copy of the appeals division decision, which was completed in October.
"[Y]ou have not raised any grounds that would cause us to intervene and modify the board's decision to not grant your request for expanded leave privileges," the decision said. "Day parole is inherently more restrictive than full parole."
'The residence offers nothing other than a bed.' — Robert Latimer, as quoted by the National Parole Board
The decision was signed by Denis Jolette and Pierre Dion.
Latimer tried to argue the nightly requirement to be in a halfway house was unnecessary.
"In your view," the decision noted, "the residence offers nothing other than a bed."
According to the materials released, Latimer has his own apartment in B.C., where he is working, studying a trade and — from a distance — managing the family farm back in Wilkie, Sask.
It said Latimer has a full day that usually does not end until curfew at 11 p.m. It also quoted Latimer as complaining "the frequent bed checks make it difficult for [you] to get a good night's sleep."
Concern about motorcycle
Latimer also owns a motorcycle and submitted that he was worried it would be vandalized when left unattended on the street near the halfway house.
The appeal division pointed out to Latimer that he will be eligible for full parole in December 2010. It also encouraged him to address any concerns regarding restrictions on his travel with his case management team.
Latimer began serving a life sentence in January 2001 following a trial that sparked intense debate over euthanasia and the rights of people with disabilities.