CORNER BROOK, N.L. -- Roman Catholic priest George Ansel Smith abused more than a dozen boys over two decades, using alcohol, threats and bribes with children as young as 8 years old.

In 2013, the judge who sentenced him to 11 years described him as a "predator."

But in a decision this month, the Parole Board of Canada has released the retired cleric on full parole after a third of his sentence, saying he is considered a low risk to reoffend. It noted that the Correctional Service of Canada rated Smith's potential for reintegration into society as high.

"CSC is of the opinion that you have repeatedly demonstrated that you are fully committed to leading a pro-social life and are ready for a less structured release," the decision said.

Smith was sentenced in March 2013 after he pleaded guilty in provincial Supreme Court to 41 charges, 38 of which resulted in a convictions for sexual assault, indecent assault and assault with intent.

The court heard that the offences occurred from 1969 to 1989 in several western Newfoundland communities, including Corner Brook, Stephenville, Deer Lake, Port aux Basques and Port Saunders.

Judge William Goodridge sentenced Smith to 11 years, though the term was reduced to 10 years to account for the time he had served in pre-sentence custody.

"The agreed facts reveal the disturbing details of a predator who violated his position of trust within the parish community and, in fact, used that position of trust to groom young male victims," Goodridge said in his sentencing decision.

Goodridge said Smith's victims were typically between 12 and 13 years old when he first approached them. The youngest was eight years old.

Under the conditions of Smith's release, the Parole Board of Canada said Smith must avoid any males under 18 and any place they might gather, unless accompanied by a previously approved adult who knows his criminal history.

As well, Smith must not consume alcohol, avoid contact with his victims and their families, and he must not use any device to gain access the Internet.

The board noted that Smith's crimes were committed against numerous young, male victims.

"These assaults were planned and included ... using bribes, manipulation, alcohol and threats to gain your victim's compliance," the board's decision said.

"The number offences committed and the frequency of your criminality are indicators of the difficulties you had to self-control ...They also speak to the difficulties you had to control your deviant sexual interest toward male children."

The board noted Smith's previous history of alcohol abuse, though it said he had not had a drink since receiving treatment in the early 1990s.

As well, the board said Smith participated in programs to reduce the contributing factors behind his previous crimes, and it said he had met the board's expectations when he started day parole in January.

The board said Smith "displayed an ability to self control for several years," which means he is considered a low risk to reoffend.

The board, which granted Smith full parole on July 7, he his is now in his late 70s and is awaiting placement in a seniors home in an undisclosed location.

Smith was charged in December 2011 following a 16-month RCMP investigation.

He was removed in May 2010 from his administrative duties at St. Malachy's Church in Kinkora, P.E.I., after Bishop Richard Grecco got a call from the diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador about an abuse allegation.

Smith moved to P.E.I. in 1994 after working in Deer Lake.