Day parole extended for man who killed Sudbury police officer

The Parole Board of Canada has extended the day parole of Peter Pennett, who killed a Sudbury police officer almost 30 years ago.

Pennett, 60, was sentenced in March 1995 to life in prison with parole eligibility at 25 years.

Peter Pennett, one of the two men convicted of killing Sudbury Police Const. Joe MacDonald in 1993, has had his day parole extended for another six months. (File)

Pennett and Clinton Suzack were found guilty of murdering Const. Joe McDonald in October 1993 when he pulled them over during a routine traffic stop.

They attacked him while he was writing a ticket, shooting him seven times, breaking his leg and hitting him around the head.

Suzack was 59 when he died Feb. 18 of natural causes, also while on day parole.

According to documents from the parole board, Pennett must follow a number of conditions, including not being in Sudbury or the Sault or having any contact with McDonald's family.

"The victims and the community deserve peace and healing, and these conditions are deemed to be reasonable and necessary for the protection and well-being of the victims," the board said in its decision.

History of substance abuse

Pennett, who has a history of substance abuse, must also abstain from alcohol or drugs while on parole and is banned from associating with anyone connected to the drug trade.

"You are not to associate with any person you know or have reason to believe is involved in criminal activity," the board said.

While granting day parole, the board said it was too soon to consider full parole, because Pennett still requires a high degree of structure to manage risks while he reintegrates into society.

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"Your case management team assesses full parole as premature at this time and believes as a multi-need individual you require (a) high level of structure and supervision," the board said.

"Your next steps are to work towards securing housing so you can commence overnight leave privileges."

This is the second time his day parole has been renewed, which must happen every six months. Pennett submits to regular urine tests and breathalyzers and so far, has shown no sign of breaching his release conditions.