Parent killer must report intimate relationships

A Nova Scotia man who killed his own parents 24 years ago has been ordered to report all intimate relationships to his parole officer so authorities can intervene if things get out of hand.

Paul Mathew Edward Thornton – now in his mid40s – shot Phillip and Ann Thornton at close range in their Blandford home in October 1998.

“Your current offences were committed in the context of a very specific relationship dynamic, which the board acknowledges is unlikely to be repeated; however, the closest approximation would be a close interpersonal or intimate relationship,” said a new decision from the parole board that continues Thornton’s day parole for another six months.

“Therefore, the board believes that your parole supervisor must be aware of all intimate, sexual and nonsexual relationships, which you are involved in, with either females or males, so that steps can be taken to intervene if there are any concerns regarding the relationship dynamic. Therefore, you are to immediately report all intimate sexual and non-sexual relationships with females and any changes to the status of the relationships/friendships to your parole supervisor.”

Last year, Thornton told his handlers that he had developed a romantic relationship with a woman.

“Your former intimate relationship has ended, as others in your partner's life reportedly could not accept you and she wanted to focus on her child,” said the parole board.

“However, she has indicated you have remained respectful

despite the difficult situation, and the two of you remain good friends. It is noted you continue to spend time with her dog to allow you to engage in outdoor activities for the benefit of your mental health. Your ex-partner is still assessed as being a positive source of support in your life.”

Thornton is serving a life sentence for the two firstdegree murders.

‘COLD-BLOODED'

“You attended your family's home, and ended up shooting your two close family members, resulting in their death,” said the parole board. “You claimed that you got in an argument with one of the victims prior to the shooting, but the police questioned this based on the type of firearm used. They characterized the murders as ‘cold-blooded’ and indicated you were not remorseful for your actions.”

Thornton had no criminal record before the murders and told the parole board he experienced “a decent upbringing free from any abuse or violence, aside from forms of discipline more common at that time,” said the new decision.

“You report having a good relationship with your parents, although you struggled with their academic expectations for you, which created tension at home and feelings of resentment and anger. Your regular use of alcohol and cannabis was commonplace during this time, although later use focused more on the latter. You described suffering from intense depression prior to the murders, including suicidal ideation; following the offences, you were hospitalized due to concerns regarding your mental state.”

Thornton’s sister provided a victim impact statement in September 2021, describing “the mental health issues she has endured because of the loss of her parents as a result of your actions,” said the parole board.

She asked that he not be able to contact her or even get near her.

“The victim's family members deserve to be left alone because of the horrific crime you have committed,” said the parole board.

“Therefore, you are to have no direct or indirect contact with the victims and/or members of their family.”

A psychological risk assessment completed two years ago shows Thornton’s “risk of general and violent recidivism is assessed as being in the low range.”

Before he first got day parole in the fall of 2020, Thornton “successfully completed hundreds (of) escorted temporary absences for community service, administrative purposes and for personal development without issue,” said the parole board.

His case management team have noted “no concerns with” Thornton’s behaviour in the community, said the decision, which notes he maintains full-time employment as an electrician.

The halfway house where Thornton has been living “remains supportive with staff describing you as a model resident,” said the parole board.

“You intend to keep working as an electrician, and your (case management team) encourage you to continue engaging in positive leisure activities in your spare time.”

NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

The parole board ordered him to stay away from booze and drugs that aren’t prescribed.

“At the time of your offences, you were using alcohol and drugs as a means of coping with negative emotions. This continued early on in your sentence,” said the decision.

“Although it has been many years since you have used substances, the board is mindful of the challenges and stressors you are likely to face while re-integrating to the community after such a long period of incarceration, and believes that any use of intoxicants could impair your judgment and elevate your risk.”

The parole board considered Thornton’s absence of a criminal record before he killed his parents a mitigating factor.

“However, your current offences are an escalation in the severity of your offending behaviour and speak to the very serious type of violent crime you are capable of committing, should you reoffend,” said the parole board.

“Your community supervision history, as evidenced by your three successive periods of day parole you are currently enjoying, indicate that you are able to meet expectations in the community.”

‘MEASURABLE CHANGE’

Parole board members believe Thornton continues “to make the necessary lifestyle changes to live a pro-social existence,” said the decision.

“The board concludes that you continue to make observable and measurable change and thus mitigating to your risk to reoffend.”

Thornton has access to psychological counselling, if he needs it, said the parole board.

“You also enjoy the support of your former intimate partner who is now just a friend, which is an additional protective factor.”

Thornton will continue getting leave privileges as he has a “pro-social support in the community who will assist you in your reintegration efforts,” said his parole decision.