Man jailed for attack in local park denied parole

A man serving time in a federal penitentiary for an “unprovoked” and “savage” attack on a 66-year-old woman in a local park has been denied parole.

In a decision issued in mid-August, a Parole Board of Canada panel found that if released Keanen Drew Norman Duncan, 25, would “likely commit an offence causing serious harm to another person.”

The panel found Duncan has had trouble abiding by institutional rules and was involved in a serious assault of another inmate.

According to the report, Duncan has acknowledged detention may be appropriate for him, so that he can participate in learning trade skills and in a sexual offender maintenance program. As well, Correctional Service of Canada has said he should complete the program while still in detention.

Duncan did not provide any written submissions for the panel’s consideration and waived his right to a hearing. And so, the panel made its decision by way of a file review.

In January 2016, Duncan was sentenced to a further four years in prison for the May 2013 incident for which he pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault, attempted robbery and uttering threats.

The sentencing judge described the event as an “unprovoked attack that was brutal and savage.”

In all, Duncan was sentenced to eight years less credit of four years for time served in custody prior to sentencing. Based on the attack and his criminal record for previous offences, Duncan was also designated a long-term offender. Consequently, he will remain under supervision for 10 years once he’s completed his sentence.