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.


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