Convicted murderer granted day-parole in Sudbury

Documents obtained by CTV News from the Parole Board of Canada confirm a man convicted of a vicious double murder in Hamilton in 1991 has been granted day-parole to live in a halfway house in Sudbury.

George Harding Lovie was granted his freedom last week at a hearing at the Beaver Creek minimum security prison in Gravenhurst.

The parole board decision document states:

"You are a 61 year old, first time, federal offender serving a life (25) sentence for First DegreeMurder (x2) and Attempt Murder. In March 1991, after discovering you waiting outside her residence, your ex-girlfriend fled to her parents' home. You chased her there, while armed with a loaded rifle. You forced your way into the home and shot the victim's mother multiple times. The victim was able to get the rifle away from you, but was unable to fire it. A struggle ensued with the victim's father and you stabbed him three times. Both the victim's mother and father died from their injuries. You then forced the victim against the wall, threatened her, but she escaped to a neighbour's residence where she contacted police. Prior to leaving the scene, you fired several shots at the victims' house and vehicle. Later that day, you turned yourself in to the police station.

According to file information, your appeal was dismissed in 1995.

At sentencing, victim impact statements were presented for court. Over the years, numerous victim statements on file attest to the extraordinary negative impact of your crimes on the family members of the murdered victims. At today's hearing, the Board heard the heart wrenching presentations from seven victims. They speak of ongoing trauma, fear, and skepticism about your rehabilitation. The victims are asking for various restrictions on your release, if granted. CSC (Correctional Service of Canada) has taken into consideration the victims' requests and the Board concurs with CSC's recommendations in that regard."

The victims were the parents of former NHL goalie Don Edward, and his sister, who survived.

Lovie was sentenced to a life sentence for two counts of First Degree Murder and one count of Attempt Murder.

Lovie has been ordered to have no contact with the victims or any member of the victim’s family.

He is also ordered to return to the residential facility nightly.

While on parole, documents show he plans to start two businesses, financed by his father and stepmother. No other details about the ventures are included in the Board’s decision.

Greater Sudbury police have confirmed with CTV News that they oppose Lovie’s release in the community.

The parole document states:

"The police service is opposed to your release in their community as you do not have support in the community, you are considered high profile, continue to garner media attention, and it is believed your release will create a public outcry, which will have a negative impact on your reintegration."

It goes on to say:

"The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has recommended that day parole be granted as yourrisk is deemed manageable with the proposed release plan and supervision strategy. You completed required programming, engaged with psychology, and members of your CMT believe your remaining risk factors can be addressed in the community. Day parole is viewed as the next logical step in your gradual, structured reintegration."

The Board also noted Lovie has been in incarcerated in a minimum security institution for close to 10 years and states:

"The Board believes that your risk factors have been correctly identified and that you have completed the appropriate programming for your level of risk. The Board is satisfied that there is reliable and persuasive information that you have made measureable and observable changes during your incarceration. While the Board is aware of file information about your rigid thinking and stubbornness, the Board does not believe that these traits aggravate your risk of reoffending."