The pedophile who drowned a five-year-old Calgary girl and stuffed her body in a garbage can has been granted a weekend pass.
The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is allowing Harold Smeltzer, now 60, to receive one weekend pass per month. The decision includes overnight leave.
In its decision the board said this would be an expansion of leave privileges.
“However also noted is that you have been in the community for a lengthy period of time with extensive community access including nearly eight years on day parole and numerous continuations of your release by the board,” the PBC said.
The plan for Smeltzer includes overnight leave under supervision. His location has not been disclosed by the board, but he was last reported to be living in a Regina halfway house.
READ MORE: Overnight pass denied for child killer, pedophile living in Regina
Smeltzer is serving a life sentence for the first-degree murder of five-year-old Kimberly Thompson in 1980. Thompson was kidnapped on her way to kindergarten in Calgary and then drowned in a tub when Smeltzer realized she recognized him.
He was also convicted on sexual assault charges related to other victims and admitted to 40 other sexual assaults.
Smeltzer was first granted day parole in November 2008, that included no leave privileges and special conditions. In 2009, an additional special condition was included to avoid any location where children congregate including parks, community centres, playgrounds and schools.
In January 2012, the parole board revoked the day parole after a video was found in Smeltzer’s possession which contained sexually explicit material.
The day parole continued in March 2012 after the board concluded Smeltzer’s risk “did not escalate to an unmanageable level.”
Smeltzer’s day parole has continued in six month increments.
In its recent decision, the parole board said Smeltzer has worked in a casual capacity at an agency next to a park. This required a supervision and safety plan.
“Reports on your work have been positive and you are viewed as an asset to their organization,” the board said.
Psychologist therapy notes from 2015 said Smeltzer has been active in utilizing supports and has put time and effort in a self-management plan.
However, the report said Smeltzer had recently been found with pamphlets for tourist locations, including theme parks, which Smeltzer said were from a previous parole officer. He is again being referred to sex offender programming to address how actions could lead to reoffending.
Smeltzer is not to be in contact with any males or females under 18 years of age unless they are accompanied by an adult who is aware of his criminal history and have approval from his parole supervisor.
He also cannot be in areas where children congregate, access pornography or contact his victims or victims’ families. He is to report all intimate sexual and non-sexual relationships with individuals who have responsibility for children.
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