Ont. man serving life sentence for killing wife with hammer granted unescorted absences

File image of a prison cell.

The Parole Board of Canada has authorized three unescorted temporary absences for Michael Peteigney, a federal inmate from Barrie, Ont., serving a life sentence for second-degree murder.

Peteigney was convicted of killing his wife, Irene Peteigney, in 2004 at their home in a northwest neighbourhood. The court heard he struck her multiple times in the head with a hammer, causing fatal injuries. The board noted after the violent attack he attempted to take his life but was stopped by police. His wife was found critically injured and later died in the hospital. The board’s report revealed two children were in the home at the time of the attack.

Peteigney, now 54, has been in custody since his conviction. He is now allowed to leave the prison for short periods after the board approved one seven-day absence and two 15-day absences to be completed over the next year.

The board said it considered Peteigney’s limited criminal record and his behaviour in prison - which it noted has been mostly positive except for some issues in 2019.

The parole board emphasized having taken into account the serious nature of the offence, the impact on the victim’s family, and the risk of reoffending, concluding that with proper supervision and conditions, the temporary absences would be safe and beneficial for Peteigney’s “gradual and structured reintegration” into the community.

During his leaves, Peteigney is not permitted to consume drugs or alcohol, he must report any relationships, and he cannot have contact with the victim’s family. The board stressed Peteigney must return to the facility each night and follow the rules during his absences.