Full parole granted

A South Shore man who was handed a four-year federal sentence for committing a break, enter and robbery in Berwick in 2011 has been granted full parole.

In an Oct. 3 decision, the Parole Board of Canada granted full parole with conditions to James Murray Doucette, who resided in Glen Margaret prior to his conviction. Doucette, who is now in his late 20s, pleaded guilty to the break, enter and robbery in 2014 and netted a four-year federal sentence in June of that year.

“In the final analysis, the board is of the opinion that, if released on full parole, you would not present an undue risk to society by reoffending, and that such a release would contribute to public protection by facilitating your reintegration into society as a law abiding citizen,” a written parole board decision states. “Therefore, full parole is granted, effective immediately.”

A first-time federal offender, Doucette and an accomplice were masked, armed and threatened the victims at knifepoint in committing the robbery, which occurred at an apartment.

The judge considered Doucette a follower rather than the leader in committing the crime. Doucette said he was involved in the robbery as a means to pay a debt associated with drug trafficking.

While incarcerated, Doucette identified four specific risk management targets: to maintain a balanced and productive lifestyle, to manage thinking that justifies and supports crime for gain, to establish and maintain healthy relationships and support and to manage thinking that justifies and supports substance use.

A final report indicated that Doucette improved his overall commitment and ability to use his skills from a rating of ‘needs some improvement’ to ‘ moderate.’

While on remand and in reception, Doucette was involved in fights, in one case two fights within two days. This was reportedly in an effort to fit in with a specific crime group that required Doucette to participate in the assaults. Doucette realized this wasn’t how he wanted to proceed and went into protective custody. He then transferred to another region, quickly achieving stability.

The parole board denied full parole to Doucette in March but granted day parole with special conditions. Leave privileges were authorized and Doucette was released into the community in April.

While on day parole, Doucette resided at a community based residential facility and returned immediately to his previous computer tech support employment, setting up an office in his room.

His case management team was concerned, as Doucette tended to isolate himself in his room working. A contract was developed where he would work only at his desk and would take regular half-hour walks in order to get outside.

Doucette has been participating in weekend passes and has taken part in three urinalyses, all of which have been negative. He goes “above and beyond” in disclosing his finances and plans to his parole officer.

Suitable accommodations are confirmed for Doucette in a location that will disassociate him from former negative associates and he will continue with his current employment. Local police have voiced no objections to his full parole.

Special conditions imposed

-Doucette is not to consume, purchase or possess drugs other than prescribed medication taken as prescribed and over the counter drugs taken as recommended by the manufacturer.

-Doucette is not to associate with any person he knows or has reason to believe is involved in criminal activity.

A former South Alton man who twice had his statutory release suspended by the Parole Board of Canada has had several special conditions imposed against him for his next release.

Described in a written parole board decision as having a “lengthy and versatile criminal history”, Wayne Brenton Medicraft is serving his second federal sentence. It ends Nov. 12. He was convicted for drug and weapon offences in 2013.

“This is your second suspension of your statutory release,” it states in an Oct. 6 written decision from the parole board regarding Medicraft. “You were originally released in August 2015, and were suspended 10 days later for breaching your special condition to abstain from alcohol. Your statutory release was thereafter revoked by the board.”

Medicraft was released a second time in June, with several special conditions imposed. According to parole board file information, in late June, Medicraft tested positive for the drug THC, which is found in marijuana. Medicraft indicated that this related to THC use while incarcerated.

In mid July, Medicraft was seen driving with another parolee and a female reported to be an escort and drug user. This was a violation of Medicraft’s special condition to report relationships with females and not to associate with people involved in criminal activity.

warrants of apprehension and suspension were issued and executed July 18. In a post suspension interview, Medicraft said he didn’t care what happened to him, as his warranty expiry date is coming up soon. Medicraft said he didn’t remember associating with the other parolee.

Medicraft’s score on the Statistical Information on Recidivism is -10, indicating that one out of three offenders will not commit an indictable offence upon release. This represents a high risk of recidivism. His levels of accountability and motivation had previously been assessed as moderate but have recently been lowered.

“Your reintegration potential is rated as low,” the decision states. “You had previously been considered to have been engaged in your correctional plan; however, following your second suspension, you are now considered not to be engaged.”

Medicraft, 50, was handed a three-year, ninemonth federal sentence in February 2013 for unlawfully producing marijuana, unlawfully possessing in excess of 30 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, unlawfully possessing marijuana and possessing loaded, prohibited and unlicensed firearms.

Police searched his residence in September 2012 and found 91 pounds of cannabis marijuana and other drug-related paraphernalia. There were other people present at the time of the search who were also identified as being part of the drug operation.

Another police search was conducted in December 2012 and a sawed-off shotgun with live ammunition was found.

Medicraft’s criminal history dates back to 1989, including convictions for property offences, motor vehicle infractions, drug possession and trafficking, failures to comply, assault, possession of prohibited firearms, sexual assault and invitation to sexual touching.

Between 1991 and 2002, several charges of sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon and assault laid against Medicraft were withdrawn or he was acquitted. Medicraft denies committing the sexual offences, even those he was convicted of.

Conditions imposed

-Medicraft is not to consume, purchase or possess drugs other than prescribed medication taken as prescribed and over the counter drugs taken as recommended by the manufacturer.

-Medicraft is not to consume, purchase or possess alcohol.

-Medicraft is to reside at a community correctional centre or a community residential facility or other residential facility – such as a private home placement – approved by the Correctional Service of Canada. He has no leave privileges and must return to the residential facility nightly.

-Medicraft is not to be in the presence of any female children under the age of 18 unless a responsible adult who knows Medicraft’s criminal history and has previously been approved in writing by his parole supervisor accompanies him. -Medicraft is not to operate a motor vehicle. -Medicraft is not to associate with any person he knows or has reason to believe is involved in criminal activity.

-Medicraft is not to be in the company of sex trade workers.

-Medicraft is not to enter establishments where the primary source of income is derived from the sale or consumption of alcohol.

-Medicraft is to immediately report all intimate sexual and non-sexual relationships and friendships with females to his parole supervisor.