Decision to revoke parole for Cape Breton man who killed wife upheld

SYDNEY — The appeal division of the Parole Board of Canada has upheld a decision revoking the parole of a Cape Breton man who pleaded guilty to murdering his wife.

Lawrence Peter MacLean, now 59, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the 2004 death of his wife, Delores Camellia (Penny) MacLean.

The remains of the 42-year-old mother of five were found in a wooded area near the family home in Scotchtown. An autopsy concluded she had been strangled.

MacLean was sentenced in 2006 to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 12 years.

He was granted full parole in 2018 with several restrictions including refraining from alcohol. He was first granted day parole in 2017. His full parole was revoked in November 2021.

While on day parole, MacLean failed to report to his probation officer that he had begun a new intimate relationship with a female. His release was allowed to continue.

MacLean was returned to custody last year after the board reported he ventured to an area from which he was prohibited.

In cancelling his full parole, the board said its decision was based on information from MacLean’s new partner concerning alcohol and drug use.

The board stated that MacLean denied claims of alcohol and drug use and that he lied to his partner about such things simply to have her stop questioning him about his whereabouts. In appearing before the appeal division, MacLean said he lied to his girlfriend about drug and alcohol use to justify his absence at night and have her give him some time alone.

MacLean told an appeals panel that if he keeps busy and works out, he is able to manage his stress.

When asked why he would continue such a relationship if it was causing stress, MacLean responded that the relationship was usually good and that he would like to return to that relationship.

He admitted not telling his case management about the stress he was experiencing in his relationship and admitted he will resort to telling lies if it helps his situation.

The appeal panel acknowledged that MacLean does suffer from depression but the main consideration in its decision was MacLean not being transparent with those who could help him.

“During your release, it was evident to those supervising you (and the board) that you had difficulty with your emotions management and as noted in the board’s written decision, there was reliable and persuasive information to suggest that you had breached your alcohol special conditions,” wrote the appeal panel in a decision dated May 9.

“You had resources in the community and positive community supports and failed to draw on these during your last release. Though you believe your risk would be manageable at a community residential facility, the board found otherwise, particularly given the lack of transparency with those supervising you during your last release,” stated the appeal panel, in upholding the board’s decision to revoke parole.