Justice Minister announces resolution of Greg Parsons matter

Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons today announced the resolution of compensation for Greg Parsons.

"On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I am pleased to announce that government has resolved the issue of compensation for Mr. Gregory Parsons," said the Minister. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and legal counsel for Mr. Parsons have agreed to a sum of $650,000 to compensate Mr. Parsons for his conviction in the death of Catherine Carroll."

"This compensation is based on humanitarian grounds, it is not an admission of wrongdoing by the Crown," said Minister Parsons.

This figure includes $450,000 that will be invested to provide Mr. Parsons with a monthly income, plus a $200,000 cash payment. In addition, $198,000 will be paid to cover the legal fees and disbursements incurred by Mr. Parsons.

In 1998, government appointed retired Supreme Court Justice Nathaniel Noel to complete a thorough and comprehensive review of the investigation and prosecution of the Parsons case and to make recommendations concerning compensation. Justice Noel�s review was suspended once civil action was initiated by Mr. Parsons� counsel. To address the public interest question of whether or not there was any wrongdoing in the case, and to ensure the integrity of the justice system, government intends to retain the services of a judge to pick up where Justice Noel left off. This review will proceed when the outstanding charges on the matter have concluded.

Government�s approach to the financial settlement follows the guidelines set by Mr. Justice Peter Cory in his report into the arrest and conviction of Thomas Sophonow. Minister Parsons stated: "In Mr. Parsons� case, government used the factual innocence model, in which the focus is not on attaching blame to individuals involved in the criminal justice process; rather, it acknowledges that harm can result from the conviction and imprisonment of the factually innocent."

The minister also noted that he agrees with Justice Cory�s recommendation that a complete independent entity be established which can effectively, efficiently and quickly review cases in which wrongful conviction is alleged. The minister has written to the Federal Justice Minister, advising that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is wholly supportive of this recommendation and is prepared to work with the federal government and other provinces towards the establishment of such an entity.

Media contact: Edwina Bateman, Communications, (709) 729-6985.

2002 02 28                        11:35 a.m.