MILLARD SENTENCED

Convicted of two other murders, killer won’t see parole before age 102 Dellen Millard was convicted of the first-degree murder of his father.

Triple killer will not be eligible for parole for 75 years,

Thrice-convicted killer Dellen Millard will not be eligible to apply for parole for 75 years after a Toronto judge handed him a third life prison sentence, for shooting his sleeping father to death.

Millard, 33, is already serving two life sentences with no parole eligibility for 50 years for the murders of Laura Babcock and Tim Bosma.

This fall, Superior Court Justice Maureen Forestell also convicted Millard of first-degree murder for killing his father, Wayne Millard, 71, at his Etobicoke home on Nov. 29, 2012. On Tuesday, she imposed another mandatory life sentence with no eligibility for parole for 25 years, served consecutively to his earlier sentences.

“I have concluded a consecutive term of parole ineligibility in this case does not exceed the gravity of the offence or the moral culpability of Mr. Millard,” Forestell told a packed courtroom Tuesday reading from her sentencing reasons.

Wayne Millard was a “loving and supportive parent” to his son, who exploited his vulnerability and betrayed his father’s trust, the judge said as the killer sat in the prisoner’s box showing no emotion.

The consecutive sentence fits the sentencing objectives of “denunciation and retribu- tion,” Forestell continued. “It is necessary to impose the further penalty in order to express society’s condemnation to the murders that he has committed and to acknowledge the harm done to each of his victims. It is not unduly long and harsh.”

Wayne Millard’s death was initially ruled a suicide. His son was not charged with his murder until April 10, 2014, after his arrest for the Bosma and Babcock killings. All three were murdered within the span of a year.

Forestell said while the removal of the hope of parole removes some incentive for good behaviour, it does not remove all incentive.

“The Correctional system sanctions misconduct, and rewards good conduct by the granting and withholding of privileges.”

Some spectators, friends and family of all three victims, broke into applause as Millard was handcuffed and led out of the downtown courtroom for a final time.

The Criminal Code section allowing for consecutive parole eligibility parole periods came into effect in 2011 as a way to mete out harsher punishment to multiple murderers.

Prior to the change, a person convicted of multiple first-de- gree murders would be eligible for parole after 25 years — though few would ever be granted parole at their first hearing.

Supporters believe multiple murderers should be punished for each crime, even if it extinguishes any hope of release. Millard will be 102 when he is eligible to apply for parole.

Critics argue the sentencing provision is cruel and unusual punishment and violates charter rights. They also say it is based on the misconception killers are automatically released after 25 years and the belief tougher penalties will make things better for the family and friends of victims.

Two Ontario Superior Court judges have upheld the constitutionality of the section.