WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
A man from Woodstock will be locked up indefinitely after an Ontario judge ruled he poses “too great a risk” to ever be unsupervised in society.
On July 3 in Hamilton, Superior Court Justice John Krawchenko sentenced Peter Pasco, 51, to an indeterminate sentence for his attempt to murder a woman in Hamilton back in 2021. CBC Hamilton reported on the court recording where Krawchenko shared his decision.
“[Pasco’s] history shows that when not under close supervision and active treatment, bad things happen and would very likely happen again,” Krawchenko said.
“The only disposition that will adequately protect society is that you be sentenced to an indeterminate sentence,” he told Pasco.
Pasco attacked and robbed a Hamilton woman in 2021
In 2024, the judge found Pasco guilty of aggravated sexual assault and attempted murder of a woman in her 40s from Hamilton.
The court heard that Pasco had been seeing the woman as a client for about seven years. On October 5, 2021, he paid her for a session and expressed a desire to cuddle. Then, Pasco wrapped his arms and legs around her, restraining and choking her until she lost consciousness.
“The struggle was violent,” Krawchenko said, leaving the woman with multiple injuries, including ruptured eardrums. “Medical evidence established that her life was in danger.”
Pasco then left her home with the $120 he had paid her.
After Krawchenko’s finding of guilt in 2024, the Crown moved to label Pasco as a dangerous offender, allowing the judge to impose indefinite imprisonment under federal law.
Defense claimed indefinite imprisonment was unnecessary
In July, Krawchenko stated that the Crown needed to show Pasco had exhibited repetitive behavior patterns along with a likelihood of killing or severely harming someone or causing major psychological damage. Alternatively, they could prove he showed persistent dangerous behavior with disregard for consequences.
Ultimately, the judge mentioned he was convinced on both counts.
During his ruling, Krawchenko recounted details from a hearing in March where an expert doctor testified about Pasco’s assessment while the Crown argued for him being labeled as a dangerous offender.
The defense argued that even though there was considerable risk of reoffending by Pasco, this risk could be managed through supervision and treatment with a finite sentence.
Man has history of violent acts against women
Krawchenko also summarized findings from doctors who assessed Pasco following previous offenses.
The judge noted that back in 1998, Pasco was convicted and served four years for robberies during which two women sustained serious injuries; one victim was an elderly woman aged 82 who reportedly struggled mentally after the attack.
He got paroled in 2000 but relapsed into drug use shortly thereafter.
Soon after released:
Krawchenko stated that in 2003, Pasco spent 12 years behind bars for robbery and aggravated assault after choking a woman aged 37 before throwing her down stairs and hitting her with a hammer-this caused permanent nerve damage.
After being released again in 2010, he held several jobs but reported staying away from drugs until stress at work drove him back into cocaine use around early 2021.
Krawchenko mentioned despite counseling benefits at work helping him out earlier on; eventually; troubles resurfaced leading him into debt while continuing substance use issues over time.”
Around this period; it’s important to note; Pasco also entered into peace bonds due to criminal harassment against two women from Hamilton; highlighting problematic behaviors towards women between assaults without legal confirmation of guilt.
Kearns further confirmed how despite receiving significant mental health support while incarcerated; pascally continually struggled needing restraints against violent impulses targeting females using escalating violent actions,” Judge remarked.”
Court finds community treatment too risky
The doctors diagnosed Peter with antisocial personality disorder alongside substance use disorder bipolar disorder ADHD according Judge.”
The Doctor reported:
Pascos’ high risk factor indicates repeated offenses without assurance treatments changing outcomes apparent sharing ability convincing others about engaging within medications mistaken views rather than reality seen through assessments conducted.”
“If placed outside here evidence clearly indicated minimal triggers destabilizing resulted negative behaviors”; Judge stated “indicating there’s no reasonable probability overseeing controls managing risks presented challenges made unsuccessfully attempts previously registered.”
If you’re facing immediate threats or fear concerning your safety or anyone else nearby feel free reaching out calling911. Support services available locally can often be found via Ending Sexual Violence Association Canada database.
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