Toronto — The release next month of a convicted serial rapist described as being an “incurable psychopath” who had the goal of being “the most prolific killer in Canada” has prompted Ontario's Attorney-General to weigh in.
Michael Bryant said Thursday he'll ask the courts to place strict conditions on 31-year-old Martin Ferrier, who has spent 15 of the last 17 years behind bars on more than 60 convictions.
“Police officers and prosecutors are on top of this case, and want to do everything we can to keep the community safe,” Mr. Bryant said.
The National Parole Board says it has no choice but to release Mr. Ferrier — a diagnosed “incurable psychopath” — because he's completed his 28-month sentence. According to board documents, Mr. Ferrier has expressed a desire to become Canada's best-known killer.
In 2002, he was sentenced to two years in Warkworth Institution in Campbellford, Ont. for verbally threatening his brother-in-law during a court hearing. Other convictions include sexual assault, forcible confinement, weapons possessions and uttering threats.
Mr. Ferrier is set for release July 7, likely in the Brampton area in Peel Region near Toronto. Mr. Bryant said he's asked prosecutors to put together some recognizance orders to restrict Mr. Ferrier's mobility, such as curfews and requirements for frequent meetings with police.
“If any of those orders are violated, this person can be re-arrested,” Mr. Bryant said.
“Our justice system is there to do everything it can under the circumstances to try and make sure the community is safe and that this person is monitored every step of the way.”
All of Mr. Ferrier's convictions to date have resulted in light sentences that helped him avoid being declared a dangerous offender — but Mr. Bryant said he would consider a dangerous offender application if Mr. Ferrier were to re-offend.
Four parole board reports obtained by The Canadian Press on Thursday paint a scathing portrait of Mr. Ferrier — whose controversial release next month was highlighted by the Conservative Party as part of its federal election platform for overhauling the criminal justice system.
The documents, from the board's Kingston, Ont., regional office, say Mr. Ferrier has “adamantly refuted” the need for sex-offender treatment and is at high risk of re-offending and violence.
In an April 2003 board decision to keep Mr. Ferrier behind bars, it was determined Mr. Ferrier had difficulty controlling violent impulses. His most recent conviction was in June 2003 for assault with a weapon against another inmate.
The board was told that Mr. Ferrier said he wants to be “the most prolific killer in Canada,” and that he would commit murder “to be a lifer.” As far back as 1995, one report says, Mr. Ferrier was quoted as saying he was responsible for at least three murders, although the board adds: “This clearly remains unconfirmed.”
Constable Kathy Gagnon, a spokeswoman for Peel police, said Thursday police will “do what we have to” to protect the community, but it's up to the courts to determine if any restrictions are placed on Mr. Ferrier.
Peel Police Chief Noel Catney has said he plans to alert the public about Mr. Ferrier if he settles in the community.
The parole board, in ruling on Mr. Ferrier's continued detention in 2003, also heard he wrote a “rather alarming letter” to his mother in which he stated his “associates . . . never fail to forget.”
Mr. Ferrier's mother, Judy Perry, has been an outspoken opponent of her son's release, saying she fears for both her life and the lives of others.
Earlier this week, Ms. Perry said her son aspires to be as notorious as convicted murderer Paul Bernardo, who's serving life sentences at Kingston Penitentiary for the brutal slayings of teens Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
“Every time he does something, it's a little bit more serious,” Ms. Perry, who lives in northern Ontario, told a Toronto newspaper.
Ms. Perry has been lobbying for legislative changes that would result in her son and other notorious criminals being declared dangerous offenders.
Mr. Ferrier's notorious record is included in the Conservative Party's attack on the current criminal justice system.
The Conservatives' plan for sentencing reform lists Mr. Ferrier among convicts who've re-offended. Leader Stephen Harper says among the changes his party would make if elected June 28 would be to ensure dangerous-offender designation for anyone committing a third violent or sexual offence.
