Paul Bernardo’s parole hearing set for next March, and lawyer for victims’ families vows to fight

By Andrej Ivanov Staff Reporter Mon., Oct. 31, 2016

“I am confident that Paul Bernardo will never get parole.”

This is the resounding message that lawyer Tim Danson wanted the public to know regarding Paul Bernardo’s release on day parole.

The lawyer representing the families of two of Paul Bernardo’s victims — 14-year-old Leslie Mahaffy and 15-year-old Kristen French — on Monday confirmed media reports that Bernardo’s preliminary hearing would be in March 2017.

After a trial whose details shocked the country, Bernardo was convicted in 1995 of offences including the murders of Mahaffay and French; he was sentenced to life without parole for at least 25 years. His wife, Karla Homolka, who testified against him and pleaded guilty to manslaughter, was released from prison in 2005.

Day parole would allow Bernardo to leave the prison during set times and participate in community activities, under the condition of returning at night.

Danson also made it clear that he intends to challenge the possibility of day parole, despite Bernardo’s eligibility for it.

A dangerous offender designation is given to anyone deemed of a particularly dangerous or violent nature, according to Danson.

What this means is that “Bernardo would have to present medical evidence, similar to the ones in his first trials, to meet the criteria for the designation to be lifted” says Danson. This would come in the form of a battery of psychological tests.

Danson said he intends to also push to make the evidence in the case be public.

“As Mr. Bernardo is making a request public remedy, not a private one, so should the evidence be public,” explains Danson.

Original article in The Star: https://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2016/10/31/paul-bernardos-parole-hearing-set-for-next-march-and-lawyer-for-victims-families-vows-to-fight.html