HUNTER: Killers, thugs thrive in justice system that refuses to repent

Article content

This is the Canadian justice system on drugs.

Every day, we’re bombarded with tales of incompetent judges, unrepentant criminals, softer-than-cotton parole decisions, and bail that never, ever seems to be denied. At the same time, the Chief Justice of Canada, Richard Wagner, moans that people are mean.

Here are a few recent triggering moments for law-abiding Canadians. Just remember, you don’t matter.

JOSEPH PENFOUND

Cops in St. Thomas, Ont. say that “prolific offender” James Penfound, 44, is charged with arson, failure to comply with a probation order and possession of a Schedule 1 substance after allegedly torching a historic building. Damage is estimated at $1 million, and the building was reduced to rubble.

Penfound currently faces 13 charges dating to 2024. And, uh, he was on probation after being convicted of 14 criminal offences in 2021. Cops and firefighters are beyond livid at yet another bail fail.

“There’s a history here of criminal behaviour, of criminality, chronic criminality. And that’s where we really feel that these individuals who are in this circumstance need to be subject to tougher bail laws and to be held in custody,” St. Thomas Police Chief Marc Roskamp told CBC News.

RYAN KOVACS

Ryan Kovacs, 40, was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2011 stabbing and strangulation death of his former girlfriend. But as a special treat, the killer has been granted continued day parole through the summer. On July 31, 2011, Kovacs slipped into Dawn Bailey’s basement bedroom in Gilford, Ont. After stabbing her several times, he set the home ablaze to cover up the murder.

He was initially charged with first-degree murder. Court heard he was obsessed and bitter believing Bailey, 27, had “screwed him over.”

The Parole Board said his risk for future intimate partner violence is high.

PINGOATUK KOLOLA

RCMP Const. Douglas Scott, 20, was shot to death while investigating a report of a drunk driver in Nunavut in November 2007. His killer was an inebriated Pingoatuk Kolola, now 55. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole for 25 years.

Eighteen years later, the Parole Board of Canada has granted Kolola day parole with his legal eagles using the late lamented loophole of 1970s killers, the faint hope clause.

Faint hope was ditched in 2011, but because Kolola’s conviction preceded that, he was sprung. Brian Sauvé, President and CEO of the National Police Federation, says cops are “disgusted.” They want the feds and parole board to do a rethink.

SAMARPREET SINGH

Canadian judges love sob stories from abroad. Take penis wiggler Samarpreet Singh. The Bell Canada technician, who came here on a student visa from India and was hoping to bring the whole gang over, wanted a conditional discharge so he wouldn’t be deported.

In December 2023, a woman was alone in her apartment when Singh arrived to install some cable. But then, after using the washroom, he emerged with his genitals dangling out. That was about 20 minutes’ worth, and he provided commentary on the victim’s attractiveness and queried about her dating status. He will serve a 90-day conditional sentence on house arrest. He was convicted of committing an indecent act with the intent to insult or offend.

Hello, CBSA? Anyone?

JAMES PLOVER 

James Plover had been convicted by a judge of four counts of assault by choking and uttering threats in a brutal domestic violence case. He was then released until sentencing two months later. Instead, cops allege he walked out of court and within two hours battered his 32-year-old estranged wife to death with a hammer and also attacked her friend. He is now on trial for second-degree murder. But Bailey McCourt might still be alive if Plover had been kept under lock and key.

Too bad the system doesn’t work that way. But hey, let’s discuss James Plover’s feelings.

bhunter@postmedia.com

@HunterTOSun