Svekla dangerous offender hearing continues

Prosecuters in the Thomas Svekla dangerous-offender hearing state that Svekla has the inability to control his sexual impulses and has maintained a pattern of violence towards women since he was a teenager.

The Court of Queen’s Bench listened to closing arguments on Tuesday from Crown prosecutor Ashley Finlayson which included the testimonies of four women, some ex-girlfriends and former friends, all stating that they were sexually attacked by Svekla.

Finlayson stated that all attacks were stemmed from a "very sudden or very spontaneous turn of events."

Although criminal convictions have been handed down for many of Svekla’s attacks, there are many incidents that he has not been convicted for.

Svekla’s most recent conviction is for sexually assaulting and sexually interfering with the foster daughter of his former girlfriend whom he dated in 1995.

In 2005 Svekla was convicted of sexually assaulting a High Level woman in his basement suite, also threatening to kill her. A dangerous-offender designation is currently being sought by the Crown for this offence.

In order to be deemed a dangerous offender it must be proved that Svekla had committed a singularly brutal act or had developed a pattern of violent behavior that is unlikely to stop. The pattern must also display a likelihood of death, injury or severe psychological damage.

Svekla was already sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Theresa Innes with no eligibility of parole for 17 years. In 2006, Innes’ remains were found in a hockey bag in Fort Saskatchewan after being transported there from High Level by Svekla.

If the Crown is able to prove Svekla to be a dangerous offender, Svekla is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison as the majority of dangerous offenders are denied parole.

Closing arguements will continue on Wednesday.