Foreman wants early parole
Posted Jan 18, 2011 03:21:27 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
15 years after he was sentenced to life for killing an aspiring doctor from the Clifford area, a former Conestoga College student is getting another day in court.
Rory Foreman is entitled to a National Parole Board Review in Hamilton through the faint hope clause.
Foreman shot 25 year old Joan Heimbecker to death in her dorm room at McMaster University 17 years ago.
A jury will decide over the next few weeks if the 40 year old can apply for early parole.
University of Ottawa professor Irvin Waller says in making their decision, the jury will consider whether Foreman poses a danger to the public.
He adds that this case, once again, raises questions about the impact the faint hope clause legislation has on victims.
Waller says it stirs up feelings and emotions, but doesn’t give victims an adequate tool to influence the decision of the court.
Heimbecker’s sister Donna will provide a victim impact statement during the hearing.
Since the faint hope clause was introduced in 1976, Waller says he’s not aware of any murderers who had their 25-year sentence reduced.
