Pickton gets life, no chance of parole for 25 years

"Mr. Pickton's conduct was murderous and repeatedly so. I cannot know the details of what happened. I do know this: Each of these women were murdered and their remains were dismembered. What happened to them was senseless and despicable."

Crown lawyer Mike Petrie told the New Westminster, B.C. court on Tuesday that the victims continue to be mourned by their families and friends.

Read the victim-impact statements in their entirety

He called on Justice James Williams to impose the maximum sentence of life without parole eligibility for at least 25 years.

Robert Pickton's lawyer, Peter Ritchie, had asked that his client be given parole eligibility in 15 to 20 years, because the former pig farmer had no previous criminal history of violence.

Ritchie also said defence witnesses had testified that Pickton tried to help people addicted to drugs.

On Sunday, a seven-man, five-woman B.C. Supreme Court jury convicted Pickton, 58, from Port Coquitlam, B.C., on six counts of second-degree murder.

His victims are Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Marnie Frey, Brenda Wolfe and Georgina Papin. All were from the troubled Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.

Cynthia Cardinal, Papin's sister, cried out with joy when Williams read the sentence late Tuesday. Outside the courthouse, she said justice had finally been served.

"I feel like Georgina is carrying me right now, I feel so light," she told CTV British Columbia. "I'm glad she got her justice and I'm so happy.

"I think Judge Williams did a remarkable job. He dealt with such a grim case."

Before Williams sentenced Pickton, Petrie read out excerpts from victim-impact statements prepared by family members of the victims.

"Explaining how I feel about my sister ... consumes my thoughts every day of my life," wrote Jay Draayers about his foster sister Abotsway.

Her head, hands and feet were found on Pickton's Port Coquitlam farm.

"'I'll never know what she endured in dying. Nobody should meet death the way she did'," Petrie told the court, reading from Draayer's statement.

In another statement quoted by Petrie, Antoinette Zanda, who looked after Wilson when she was a child, spoke about searching for her on the streets of Vancouver's troubled Downtown Eastside after Wilson had been reported missing.

"Having someone you care for cut up in pieces is difficult to deal with," Zanda wrote.

Karin Joesbury, mother of Andrea Joesbury, wrote that she has lived a hellish life since her daughter's death.

"I have had times where I felt suicidal. All the stress and isolation has really taken a toll on me. Tension and stress worrying about my other children fills my days," she wrote.

"I have felt constantly bombarded by so many things it doesn't feel like I can properly grieve, I don't feel safe anywhere. I feel that I am living in a fishbowl, even turning on the TV or looking at the newspapers is incredibly disturbing. The images that I constantly see takes my mind right to the place of the horror and torture that I think Andrea went through. I feel trapped."

Petrie struggled to continue at moments, almost overcome with emotion.

Fifteen such statements were filed with the court.

Comments are now closed for this story

Caring Carol
said

Since murder is a crime, I can only hope that for all the rest of this person's days, he will sit behind closed doors.
The families are where we must now turn our thoughts and prayers to. That somehow though all this they will find a moment of peace and comfort knowing that their loved one is now no longer in pain.
I pray that each family is comforted and can find a way to move forward with all that has transpired.

d
said

I agree with an earlier comment by Barry, ie concurrent sentences versus consecutive sentences. It is one of the reasons why I don't support trying him on additional charges. When found guilty(as he should) the next sentence would be concurrent with the existing sentence. Are the law makers listening. CHANGE THE LAW re sentencing.

Lynn Marois
said

UWE
He was charged with 1st degree murder. Because the Crown was unable to satisfy the criteria for 1st. Degree. (planned and deliberate) they found him guilty of 2nd Degree...

As for the "hearings" for "closure" that you suggested...would that suffice if YOUR daughter was found on the farm and was one of the 20 to follow?

He absolutly MUST stand trial for the second 20. We as taxpayers already saved a whole LOAD of cash when we turned a blind eye to the dissappearances 20 - 30 years ago. To not try him for the next 20 would be a travesty.
I encourage you all to write Wally Oppal and DEMAND he ensure the trial goes ahead. Barring that, HUGE demonstrations will be organized and there will be serious aftermath. Perhaps this isn't something we want the "world to experience" come 2010.

Nina
said

My heart goes out to the families.
I don't know how you move on but it's important that you do.
God bless you.

I hope you get some sense of justice.

CRoss
said

So they say he's had no previous criminal history of violence, yet he's supposedly been murdering people over the past 20 years. That makes no sense at all from the defence standpoint.

Conrad
said

Was the Defense Lawyer Peter Ritchie actually able to keep a straight face when he lobbied for an early parole eligibility by citing "no previous history of violence"???

Ian
said

It's a moot point. He'll never get paroled. Then again this is Canada...

Michael D
said

I don't believe that one life sentence diminishes the fact that he was found guilty of murder on every victim. Call it what you will, first or second degree, he has still been found guilty of murdering 6 women. As to the length of his incarceration, it will be for the rest of his life. I think it likely that he will be classified as a dangerous offender and then the length of sentence will not matter.

Brodie
said

Should he not be sentenced for each murder separately? He was found guilty of SIX counts of murder. To sentence him as if it were one would be judicially irresponsible. Typical of Canadian court systems, but still irresponsible and unjust.

Jacquie
said

I have mixed feelings on having a second trial, I want it for the families and the victims, so they have closure and to hold him accountable for each and every victim. In my opinion he will never get out at this point, there is no way, that would be insanity and a total disgrace.

This sad story is far from over, I think many many more things are going to come out, I don't for a minute think nobody knew about this, somebody associated with that farm or that monster knew of this or are involved.

My heart goes out to the victims and the families, who I must say renewed my faith in human beings, by listening to them being interviewed or reading the impact statements. So much love there, everyone needs to learn from this and stop living in their private little world and blocking out the people and animals out there in need!

I agree with one comment saying use the farm as a wildlife reserve dedicated to the victims.

Adrian D
said

Also, I just wanted to point out that in s. 718.3(4) of the Criminal Code allows for judges to sentence people to consecutive periods of imprisonment when the are convicted on multiple charges where imprisonment is a possibility.

And for those who feel that first degree murder should have been the only option, then it creates a larger possibility that 1. Pickton would not be found guilty, or 2. that it could be appealed forcing more time and taxpayer money.

The ONLY difference between these two types of designations are parole eligibility, and does anyone here really think that he will be given only a 10 year period rather than the full 25. Or that when his 25 years are up he'll be able to convince a parole board to let him go?

Jenn in BC
said

I understand that there probably no chance that this man will ever see the light of day outside of a prison cell. BUT it scares me that he can still apply. If there was any case that make consecutive sentences a must it is this one.

As for another trial for the 20 other women, yes. There has to be some sort of Justice for these women and their families. Having someone in prison offically convicted of your loved one's death brings some sort of closure although it will never take away all of the pain.

My heart and prayers go out to the families of these women.

Chris
said

I'd like to raise an objection.

Not all defense attorneys are into just for the money, I dislike the image that has been through the Hollywood cinema and celebrity cases made to stereotype criminal lawyers, the accused admitted to his convictions, therefore, it is now the defense attorney's job to get him a lighter sentence, although I admit the criminal at hand is a sociopath/psychopath/murderer, the defense attorney must defend him as if it were him on that stand, thus, a great defense comes into play.

There are two sides to every coin, and put yourself in the Attorney's shoes for once.

The reason as to why the crown counsels lose most of their cases is because they lack compassion towards their job, they don't have a reputation to keep, win or lose, they win.

Marty
said

This man commited 6 murders- to me that is premeditation. He took six lives and he is eligible for parole after 25 years? That is only 4.16 yrs per victim. This is a serial killer, who clearly has no respect for life. When a person shows that he will repetitively take human lives it's time to take his. I do not advocate the death penalty but in this case I would gladly make an exception.

Ron J.
said

READ THIS.

ANDREW is dead wrong, which is not uncommon when concerning Life sentences.

Once and for all, let's get it straight.

In Canada the maximum sentence for murder is LIFE. That means that the killer is sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. However, he can be eligible to apply for a possible parole after the set number of years. It is NOT 25 years max, with up to 2/3rds off for good behaviour.

Example-
1st degree is LIFE, but he can apply for parole after 25 years. Apply for, does not mean he will get it.

2nd degree is LIFE, but he can apply for parole after whatever amount of time the judge set (10 to 25 years).

With both sentences, it is very possible to be continuously denied parole and end up serving your entire LIFE.

Oleg
said

While everyone is blaming the lawyers for some reason for having the justice system we have today, I think the justice system is a reflection of society. When criminals have more rights than the victims, there is something seriously wrong with the society.

kaydee
said

I agree Pickton should never be released from prison. I also believe that holding another trial is a waste of money and time and would be pointless. I sympathize with the families but closure needs to come from somewhere besides the law courts.

Ki-Som
said

This will never be over until he goes to trial for the other 20 women. Only then can this case be truly closed.

Ken House
said

For one all sentences should be serves consecutively and not concurrently as most multiple offences are. Maybe it is time Canadian Citizens DEMANDED a referendum from Parliament so that we can ALL vote on bringing back the death penalty.

RRO
said

I think we need consecutive sentencing in cases like this. He should serve 150 years in prison.
Since he will not be out while he is living than we should consider the death penalty in cases like this.

Pete
said

25 X 6, 150 years and not one day less before becoming eligible for parole.

Uwe Warkholdt
said

I don't understand why he was not charged with first degree murder. In my opinion when absolutely sure with out a "shadow of any doubt", no mistakes, they should "get a rope". It can be reused.

It doesn't matter what trade these victims were in. They are someone's daughter, sister, aunt, niece or perhaps mother. I am sure their families loved them very much.

As for trying him for the other 20 victims, I think just hearings on inquests should be held to give closure to those families.

ab
said

It is also important to recognize that becaues Pickton has spent at least 5 years in pre-trial custody, he gets a 2 for 1 deal. This means that in the eyes of the law, Pickton will be credited for spending 10 years in prison. However, do not lose faith in our Justice System. Granted there are many flaws, things could be so much worse. Robert Pickton will probably never be granted parole and will most likely spend the rest of his natural life in prison. I think the real problem lies not with Robert Pickton specifically but how he got away with such heinous crimes in the first place. 68 women were missing. If even half that number of school children or university students or businessmen went missing, there would be an uproar to find these people.

Brian
said

Here is a prime example of someone who deserves to be branded a "Dangerous Offender" if ever there was one. That way he would never see the "light of day" again, regardless of parole eligibility. I hope the BC Prosecutors are preparing for a Dangerous Offender Hearing, that would be a far better use of taxpayers money than another trial for the other 20 murders, as much as I would like to see him found guilty on those charges as well.

CanadianGirl
said

I understand 2nd degree murder to mean a person can be sentenced to Life in Prison with an eligability of parole after 10 to 25 years. Meaning, Pickton can get a life sentence which is his natural life, within which he can apply for parole after a stipulated period of time set by the court at time of sentencing. This doesn't mean he will get parole, only that he can apply. 1st degree murder does not carry the parole option with it.

monika
said

How can a jury come to the conclusion that SIX murders were not premeditated. I need to premeditate a freakin' gym workout in order to ultimately execute it. Murder would take substantially more planning, I am certain. I am deeply ashamed of our legal system. I am also ashamed that these women were also victimized by our neglect.

Kayla
said

Sad but true...our system of justice is not designed to punish - it is a legal system designed by lawyers for lawyers. It is a play on word manipulation. The truth is what they make it not what it is.

Pickton will get 2 for 1 credit on his time already served and he will also get credit for mass murder because if you kill one you may as well kill more - the outcome will be the same. I agree - each murder should be consecutive to another and he should get 150 years with no chance of parole for a 100 years and by then he'll be history.

I certainly have lost faith....

Stuart D
said

I truly believe anyone who truly loves their children feel the same way. Give him 150 years behind bars. I would also like to see his property made into a wildlife sanctuary named after his victims.

Tom
said

This man must never step out of jail again. There is a danger to go after him for the other 20. If reasonable doubt rears it's ugly head and starts to poke a hole or two into the next trial...who is to say these holes could not come back in a appeal for the first trial. Spending millions of dollars on another case that will only result in the same sentence is a waste of taxpayer's money. These people should grieve and get closure through counseling and not in a court room. Let's put the money to better use like helping these women get out of that life!

Steve
said

The sentencing phase will see what the MINIMUM time he spends in prison before being ELIGIBLE for parole. There's no automatic 16.5 yrs or 25 yrs and you're out.

Clifford Olson has been incarcerated for 26 years and although he can apply for parole, he'll never be released. Pickton won't either.

Rafeena
said

MAYBE I'M A LITTLE NAIVE WHEN IT COMES TO THE JUSTICE SYSTEM, BUT, WHAT PURPOSE DOES IT SERVE TO GIVE A 25 YR SENTENCE ONLY TO HAVE "CHANCE OF PAROLE" IN 10? WHY NOT JUST GIVE HIM THE 25 YEARS, AND THEN SEE IF HE IS REFORMED ENOUGH TO BE RELEASED...HE HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF 6 MURDERS AND WILL BE ON TRIAL FOR THE REMAINING MURDERS; I MAY BE A LITTLE PRESUMPTUOUS, BUT I THINK HE'S GUILTY AND PAROLE SHOULD NOT BE AN OPTION FOR MURDER IN THE FIRST OR SECOND!!!!

John Spragge
said

Robert Pickton will serve a life sentence. Since you can't sentence a person to more than one life sentence, in theory, Mr. Pickton (or any other multiple murderer) suffers no penalty for every murder after his first.

It doesn't work that way in practise, since any parole board or "faint hope" hearing will know how many murders he committed. In theory, Pickton could get parole some years from now, but in reality, I have confidence that Robert Pickton will spend the rest of his life safely behind stone walls.

I hope our justice system will pursue a course of restorative justice, and support the families of these women and other women in similar situations. True justice will come when we end the conditions that allowed a predator like Robert Pickton to operate.

Mike
said

I can't understand all these news articles about Picktons sentence, no one has made a comment on the truth of our prison sentences. In Canada there is NO ABSOLUTE WAY to be sure that Pickton never gets out of prison, it will always be up to the parole board if he gets released, even if it's 25 years from now. Yes, that's right, the parole board could actually let him out in the future, the fact that if they did, he would be on parole until he dies, doesn't make it right. This man should never get out, and the word "Life" in Life sentence in Canada is a JOKE. I have listened to a lot of the media coverage since Sunday's conviction came out, and it hurts to think that these families might not realize that Pickton even has a right to go in front of the parole board EVER. Let's hope that at his sentencing he is at the very least sentenced as a designated sex offender (DSO), then there's a better chance down the road that some bleeding heart federally appointed parole board member, might not let him out!!!

Barry Hutchinson
said

Barry
While concurrent sentences may be okay for property crimes, such as theft, violent serial offenders should get consecutive sentences. As a former Calgary cop I tell you lenient sentences and early parole drive coppers nuts. Proceed with the other charges. The victims/families deserve no less.

Anne M 8
said

I agree with Big Bear, he should serve 25 yrs for every murder conviction. Another poster described the "justice" system well when he said we do not have a "justice" system, we have a legal system only. A system designed to make lawyers rich, and the police non criminals, when they break the law.

Davey Legasse
said

He's 58. He'll get credit for the 6 years he's spent in jail. 19 more years makes him 77 when the 25 years are up.

I don't understand, the quote in this article is that the request will be to have him serve 25 years before being eligible for parole. If this is accurate, is parole automatic at 25 years or must he appear before an appeal board? They denied Mr. Latimer parole (a miscarriage of justice if ever there was one but nevertheless) could they do the same to this blob of evil?

Peter Valdstyn
said

Canada should immediately implement the consecutive sentencing for multiple crimes. Kill one or kill 50 and possibly be eligible for parole in 10 years, am I missing something? Is that a jusice system?

andrew
said

Big Bear- I agree with you that this man should get many years in prison but first you need to understand the canadian laws. FIRST degree murder you get 25 yrs. Pickton was charged on 2nd degree murder. basically the only difference is if pickton actually planned out each murder 1-by-1 or if he just killed the person for the sake of killing. These two differences make the sentencing slightly different. anyways life in prison in canadian is MAX 25 yrs and if its a fed prison he only has to server up to 2/3rds of it and then hes can be tried for a halfway house. so in 16.5 yrs he can be walkn..... althought he will have to do 6 16.5 yrs so he's still locked up for good.

John T
said

It is very difficult to justify and maintain my life-long opposition to capital punishment when faced with crimes as henious as Pickton's and Paul Bernardo's.

Nonetheless, we must bear the cost of permanent incarceration for killers such as these, and carry with us the prejudiced view that however many years pass, it will never serve the public good to ever allow them to walk freely in society again.

Steven Booth
said

Canada does NOT have a justice system. We have a legal system only.

Sherry
said

I don't understand concurrent sentences for multiple crimes? How does this provide justice for victim #2-6? It doesn't in any way. When multiple crimes are committed, then I believe that multiple sentences should be served, not just one.

G
said

Pickton should be tried for the remaining charges. A guilty verdict will serve to give the women's families at least some sense of closure, although I doubt it will alleviate any pain

Shawn
said

There would be something very wrong with our justice system if this man was ever let out of prison. The cost to put him behind bars has cost the tax payer way too much and we are going to spend huge amounts of more money for a follow on trail. We could have put this money towards preventing crime or youth programs, instead of making lawers very rich. It should have only cost two dollars for one bullet. Even if he was an accessory or party to this mass murder (which I dought, because who else is there), he should get life with out parol. We are backwards when we deny a loving caring man who is not a threat to society (Mr Latimer) parole and we let out heartless killers out of prison.

Big Bear
said

So if he was convicted of one murder he would get 25 years to life, but kill number two and he gets nothing, number 3 and nothing, number 4 and nothing... Can you see the problem here? He should get 25 to life for every murder that way he would be in jail for at least 150 years which he rightly deserves.