Pickton six counts, will not be leaving anytime soon
So it’s finally over.
Pickton’s been found guilty for six charges of second degree murder. I’ve talked to several people today who asked me a few questions about what’s going to happen to him. To be frank, they’re worried that he will be released on parole and could be walking among us within the next ten years. Second, they wondered why he was acquitted of first degree murder.
Let’s clear up the second question.
What is first degree murder?
In a nutshell, murder is considered first degree when it is planned and deliberate. The prosecution had to actually prove that Pickton drove out all the way from his farm downtown to pick up some girl, drive her back, and then actually kill her. It’s a bit of a tough stretch unless he’s stupid enough to leave maps and plans lying around.
There’s other things that automatically elevates crimes to first degree. For instance, killing a cop, killing a hostage, or some kind of terrorist activity.
If the defendant is found guilty, 25 years period.
Second degree murder is anything thing else that doesn’t fit the above.
Parole
Now using the same example from above, once that 25 year period has passed the individual would be able to apply for parole.
Parole doesn’t mean freedom either. I want to make it clear that a life sentence means a life sentence. If a person successfully applies for parole, he is required to continually report his activities to law enforcement at all times. He will always have someone watching over him. He is not a free person. There is almost always some kind of restriction or curfew placed among them. If any of their conditions are violated, then they are returned to prison right away.
So what’s going to happen with Pickton?
It’s entirely up to the judge. He cannot issue a sentence less than 10 years nor can he lock him up for over 25 years. Pickton must first apply for parole then be granted parole. I don’t think our justice system lets people out of the system that easily. They’ve been usually good about it.
One More Thing
Canada has a section in the Criminal Code called the Faint Hope Clause. Prisoners who are serving a life sentence without parole for 25 years can still apply for early parole after 15 years have been served. It’s called faint hope because there have not been a lot of people granted this leniency.
Unfortunately, anyone convicted of more than one murder in Canada (after 1997) has to serve 25 years before being allowed to apply for parole.
He’s almost 60 anyway. Pickton will be in there for a long time.
