Serial bank robber to get day parole

The parole board is freeing a longtime Halifax bank robber with a history of violence, even though he’s assessed as “a high risk to reoffend, particularly in the longer-term.”

Miachael Anthony Bland, 57, is serving a 26-year sentence for multiple bank robberies in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax. Many of the robberies took place while Bland was on parole.

“Your criminal history includes prior violent offences of robbery, weapon possession and assault,” said a recent parole board decision granting Bland day parole.

Bland “expressed regret for the harm” he caused his victims in a May psychological assessment.

“You say you did not think of the consequences, you just wanted money,” said the parole board decision.

Bland started inhaling substances at the age of eight, said the decision. That lead to using heroin and alcohol by the age of 13.

“In 1991, you overdosed resulting in your being in a coma for 12 days. You have suffered previous head injuries and 10 overdoses. The psychologist noted you continue to have noticeable difficulties speaking and walking. Overall, the psychologist estimates you present a high moderate to high risk for violent reoffending over the long term. The psychologist noted that it was preferable for you to complete a day parole prior to statutory release to enable a gradual transition to the community.”

Bland told the board he’d like to live in a halfway house in Fraser Valley, B.C., during his day parole so he can be closer to his former wife.

Once he’s served two-thirds of his sentence and gains what’s dubbed statutory release, Bland plans to live with her.

“You have no confirmed fulltime employment opportunities and limited financial means to support yourself,” said the decision.

Bland hasn’t been accepted into any halfway houses for day parole, it says.

“The community describes your supervision history as dismal ... Overall, the community believes your risk is not manageable on day parole.”

Bland got out of prison last year on statutory release. But that was revoked in August 2017 after it was discovered that he’d been drinking beer and smoking marijuana and hash for months, and hanging around with people facing robbery charges.

When he gets out on day parole, Bland must get permission from his supervisor before entering any financial institutions. He’s also supposed to get a job, stay away from criminals, as well as stay off drugs and booze.

Bland does have a spot in a halfway house where he’ll have to live once he gets statutory release.

Correctional Services Canada is considering using electronic monitoring to keep tabs on Bland once that happens.