The board that denied the parole of convicted murderer Paul Bernardo said the 54-year-old was still not fully aware of his own criminality.
Bernardo has been behind bars for 25 years for the murder and rape of two teenage girls for 25 years, and on Oct. 17, a two-person board denied his first chance at parole.
The parole board did not initially release why they denied Bernardo’s parole until Tuesday. The report released by the board said Bernardo showed a “lack of insight” into his crimes, and that during the hearing, he focused mainly on his anxiety disorder and his lack of self-esteem in an attempt to explain his behaviour.
The report went on to say that Bernardo used self-diagnosis throughout the hearing as a ‘mantra’ to dissociate himself from his actions.
WATCH: Lawyer for Bernardo victims’ families says he’s a ‘psychopath’
Bernardo admitted during the hearing that he is a very flawed person who had done dreadful things, but claimed he would never re-offend if released.
“I’m so nice to everybody,” Bernardo said.
During the parole hearing, Bernardo went on to say that there is no reason to fear him.
Over the past 25 years, the board admitted that Bernardo has behaved appropriately, but said he goes to great lengths to prove his point.
“The board questions your ability to be challenged, which in turn impedes the process of change,” the parole board decision said.
The board added that in May, 2018, Bernardo underwent an physiological assessment and at times spoke in the third person. The board determined that he presents an undue risk to society were he to be released.
Despite this recent denial, Bernardo will be eligible to apply for parole again in two years.
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