KENTVILLE, NS - A former Kentville man who was handed a federal sentence in 2016 for attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault has been granted day parole.
Paul Eldon Lake, 58, was sentenced in March 2016 to a total of 10 years on the three charges, less 935 days credit for time spent remanded in custody. The court imposed a lifetime firearm prohibition against Lake, granted a forfeiture order for weapons and granted a DNA order. Lake was ordered to have no contact with the three victims.
The remaining charges against Lake, two more counts of attempted murder, another charge of aggravated assault and two counts of carrying a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, were dismissed.
On June 20, 2014, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, Lake used a box cutter to assault two individuals who were known to him. The attack was unprovoked. Lake then ran off and went to the home of his ex-intimate partner. He entered her home and slashed her in the throat, arms and chest with the box cutter.
A witness entered the apartment and yelled at Lake, who fled, returned to his apartment and slashed his own arms in what the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) described as an attempt to take his own life. Police located Lake and took him to hospital. Lake was noted as having resisted arrest. The incidents occurred in Kentville.
A written decision from a recent Parole Board of Canada (PBC) hearing states that Lake denies having a clear recollection of the circumstances of his offences and only remembers waking up in the hospital. Lake believes that a lack of sleep combined with methadone and prescribed medication caused the memory loss.
One of the stabbing victims provided a victim impact statement to the court. The victim wrote that the incident affected him physically, emotionally and psychologically. At the time of Lake’s sentencing, the victim hadn’t regained full use of his arms, had difficulty dealing with the stress of everyday life and suffered from bad visions and dreams. The victim said he felt as if he had been through a war.
ALSO SEE:
CONDITIONAL SENTENCE TERMINATED FOR KENTVILLE MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER
KENTVILLE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ATTEMPTED MURDER, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES
MAN CONVICTED OF KENTVILLE ATTEMPTED MURDER SENTENCED FOR ASSAULTING SHERIFF
This is Lake’s fourth federal sentence. The written PBC decision states that his history on conditional release is of concern, as “issues were present in the community during each of (Lake’s) three previous sentences.” In some cases, Lake committed new offences while on conditional release.
Lake is considered a high risk for general recidivism with his accountability and motivation levels rated medium and his reintegration potential rated as low. A Spousal Risk Assessment from June 2016 concluded that Lake presents “a high imminent risk” of violence towards a partner and towards others in a domestic context.
A Psychological Risk Assessment from September 2018 suggests that Lake’s risk of violent recidivism is in the moderate range in relation to other offenders. However, the writer noted that Lake’s assessed level of risk may be mitigated over time by his adherence to sobriety and use of self-management skills acquired in programming and counselling.
Lake’s risk may increase should he become involved in a conflict-prone or unhealthy relationship or fail to involve himself in pro-social and meaningful activity or employment.
While at the institution, Lake has completed several courses to increase his employability and he completed the recommended Integration Correctional Program Model (ICPM) Motivational Level – Support program and the ICMP Multi-Target High Intensity Program.
The final program report from the latter indicates that Lake’s overall ability and commitment to use the skills required to manage his various risk factors has improved from “needs a lot of improvement” to “good.”
Lake has made improvements in the areas of better managing his substance abuse self-talk, understanding changes that need to be made with respect to relationships and associates and slowing down his thinking to consider possible consequences. While Lake demonstrated institutional adjustment concerns during previous sentences, no such issues have been observed during his current sentence.
The parole board received a letter of support from Lake’s institutional employer, who describes Lake as “a productive, flexible and respectful worker.” Lake will be recommended for employment in the Corcan Community Industries shop in his release community.
The board acknowledges that Lake is motivated and has made a concerted effort to meet the requirements of his correctional plan. It is also of the view that Lake’s attitude and behaviour since admission does not preclude him from accessing the proposed day parole release plan, which is “a strong and realistic plan in the board’s view.”
The board is satisfied as well that Lake has demonstrated motivation in completing the ground work himself to make contacts and arrangements for positive support and programs if released. In the community, Lake will be under supervision and will have access to interventions and resources that will assist him in addressing his identified contributing factors.
The CSC recommended that day parole be granted to Lake for a period of six months, during which time he would be expected to participate in the ICPM Community Maintenance Program, attend local Narcotics Anonymous meetings and-or obtain provincial addiction services. Although local police are opposed to Lake being granted day parole, one Community Based Residential Facility in his proposed release destination is willing to provide Lake with accommodations. Leave privileges are not supported by the CSC at this time.
Special conditions imposed
The following special conditions have been imposed on Lake’s day parole:
- Lake is not to consume, purchase or possess drugs other than prescribed medication taken as prescribed and over the counter drugs as taken as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Lake is not to consume, purchase or possess alcohol.
- Lake is to follow a treatment plan or program to be arranged by his parole supervisor in the areas of substance abuse, emotions management and reintegration.
- Lake is to have no direct or indirect contact with the victims or any member of the victims’ families.
- Lake is to immediately report all intimate sexual and non-sexual relationships and friendships with females to his parole supervisor.
- Lake is not to associate with any persons he knows or has reason to believe is involved in criminal activity.
