After the Supreme Court of Canada denied a request from a Fort St. John Veterinarian to overturn his sexual assault conviction, Justin Sewell has been granted day parole from prison.
The Parole Board of Canada has denied full parole to Sewell, but has approved a temporary form of release under strict supervision.
In a written decision dated April 2, the board ruled that Sewell does not yet meet the threshold for full parole, citing ongoing concerns about his insight into his offences and his ability to manage long-term risk in the community.
However, the board granted Sewell six months of day parole, allowing him to reside at a community residential facility under close supervision. Sewell is serving a federal sentence of two years and nine months for sexual assault and voyeurism-related offences.
In its decision, the parole board acknowledged numerous letters of support submitted on his behalf by family members and others, but said those were outweighed by victim impact statements and concerns about Sewell minimizing responsibility for his actions.
The victim is the sister of Sewell’s wife. She said she looked to Sewell as an older brother and trusted him.
During Sewell’s trial the court heard, in 2007 Sewell was alone in a Charlie Lake residence with the victim. He added ketamine and/or Valium to her drink. Once incapacitated he sexually assaulted her and took photographs of her.
A former employee of Sewell’s also disclosed that clinic staff found inappropriate photos on his work computer. Another former employee reported that, in June or July of 2010, she and two other staff members found photos on a work computer of Sewell having intercourse with a young woman.
A statement taken from a longtime friend indicated that around 2011 he had set up a video camera in the victim’s bedroom and you had filmed her dressing and undressing.
The board found that a structured and closely monitored environment is necessary to protect the public while allowing Sewell to begin a gradual reintegration into society.
The day parole comes with a series of strict conditions. These include a complete prohibition on contact with the victims and their families, a ban on internet use and pornography, and mandatory participation in treatment programs addressing sexual offending behaviour.
The Parole Board stated that allowing Sewell to remain in a community residential facility provides the necessary oversight to manage risk while supporting rehabilitation.
Full parole was denied on the grounds that release to the broader community would not adequately protect public safety at this time.
-M. Popove/CJDC
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