NLIS 7
September 1, 2005
(Justice)
Government to provide additional
compensation to Greg Parsons
Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tom
Marshall today announced that government will provide an additional compensation
package for Greg Parsons. A total of $650,000 will top-up the original
compensation provided in February 2002.
�Following a careful review of statements made during the Lamer Inquiry and
concerns expressed by Commissioner Lamer, I was concerned about Mr. Parsons
personal situation at the time he agreed to the original compensation package,�
stated Minister Marshall
Commissioner Lamer has advised that the evidence at the inquiry revealed that
Mr. Parsons was in such dire need that he probably instructed counsel to accept
a compensation package that may not have been adequate. �Although we had
previously stated that government would await Commissioner Lamer�s report on the
administration of justice before addressing compensation concerns about the case
of Greg Parsons, there was no reason to await the report � we have been provided
with insight on the Parsons matter, have listened to the concerns expressed by
Commissioner Lamer and felt that we had enough information to revisit the
original package,� added Minister Marshall. �I am confident that this is the
right thing to do.
�As Minister of Justice and Attorney General, I felt that I had a responsibility
to consider Commissioner Lamers concerns, and upon careful review and
consideration felt it was appropriate that additional compensation be provided
to Mr. Parsons. The total amount awarded to Mr. Parsons ($1.3 million) remains
within the scope of packages received by wrongfully convicted persons in
Canada.�
Greg Parsons was wrongfully convicted in 1994, and was subsequently acquitted
and declared factually innocent. Government awarded an ex gratia payment in
February 2002 totalling $650,000. This payment included $450,000 to provide a
monthly income, $200,000 cash payment. In addition, $198,000 was paid to cover
the legal fees and disbursements incurred by Mr. Parsons.
The Lamer Inquiry is a public inquiry into alleged miscarriages of justice in
the cases of Gregory Parsons, Randy Druken, and Ronald Dalton. The inquiry
included a mandate to review the arrests and prosecutions of Greg Parsons and
Randy Druken, which raised a number of questions relating to the administration
of criminal justice in Newfoundland and Labrador. Specifically, a review of the
investigations and circumstances surrounding the resulting criminal proceedings
commenced against Greg Parsons and Randy Druken. The inquiry was also asked to
review Ronald Dalton�s appeal of his murder conviction, and why he remained in
prison for eight years before his appeal was heard by the Court of Appeal. The
inquiry concluded in June 2005, and final report is expected by December 31,
2005.
Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications (709) 729-6985, 691-6390
2005 09 01
2:45 p.m. |