Man who assaulted veteran paroled - Jun. 22, 2010
BY KATHY BOCKUS
kathy@stcroixcourier.ca
ST. STEPHEN – Full parole has been granted to Christopher Charles True.
True, sentenced in November of 2008 to 43 months in prison for the vicious beating of an 84-year-old Second World War veteran, was granted parole June 17.
A parole board has ruled that, given True’s overall compliance with his day parole requirements and his behaviour in prison which led him to be considered a model inmate, he would not present an undue risk to the public. His parole was granted, effective immediately.
True was sent to Springhill Penitentiary in Nova Scotia on charges of assault causing bodily harm, theft, assault with the use of force, break and enter and impaired driving.
His victim, Herbert Matthews, was sitting in his truck at the Deer Island ferry landing in L’Etete when he was approached by a drunken True who demanded cigarettes or money. When Matthews did not give him either, he was beaten by True to the extent he lost the use of one eye and can no longer live on his own.
True assaulted another man who came to the aid of Matthews and stole Matthews’ truck.
In January, True was granted a six-month day parole and went to live in a halfway house in Moncton.
Under his parole release granted last week, True must abstain from drugs other than medications prescribed by his doctor and over the counter medications must be taken as recommended by the manufacturer.
True is not to have any contact with his victim or members of Matthews’ family.
In its decision last week, the parole board noted there had been no indications that True had presented any difficulties at the halfway house.
It noted that True at one time was holding down two jobs and caution was recommended that he not work excessive hours. True followed the advice.
His release documents state he has been an active participant in maintenance programs for the programs he successfully completed in prison for violence prevention and substance abuse.
“Your overall compliance and your taking full advantage of your supports have facilitated your reintegration,” the document states.
“The board is satisfied you will continue in the same manner during a more liberal release and concludes you would not present an undue risk to the public.”
The document made note that True’s progress has been consistent in the substance abuse and violence prevention programs he has taken since entering custody and that he demonstrated a high level of motivation by “actively participating in all aspects of your correctional plan.”
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