A young Central Alberta man said he has no desire to ever drive again after killing a Red Deer couple as they drove home in February 2010.
According to Parole Board of Canada documents obtained by the Red Deer Advocate, Chad Mitchell Olsen, 25, of Sedalia told the parole board on June 8 that he had driven a vehicle in the past when he didn’t have a valid driver’s licence.
“You (Olsen) said this would not occur in the future as you no longer have any desire to drive,” said the parole board’s written decision.
“Given the circumstances of the current offences, you have expressed that you don’t have the right to drive again.”
Olsen pleaded guilty in April 2011 to two counts of impaired driving causing death after Brad and Krista Howe, both in their mid 30s and parents of five children, were killed on the city’s south side during the early morning hours of Feb. 7, 2010.
He was driving at nearly three times the legal blood alcohol level when he sped through a traffic light and hit the Howes’ car.
The parole board did express some concern that Olsen planned to return to the same location where the fatal car crash occurred.
They expected there would be significant media coverage, which the board felt could lead to Olsen being exposed to stressful situations in the community.
“You (Olsen) told the board that you have learned to accept other people’s decisions,” says the decision. “You realized that you have made very poor decisions and the impact on the victims, their families and others is severe.”
Olsen was originally given a sentence of two years and three months. The Crown appealed and Olsen’s jail sentence was lengthened to three and a half years last October. Two months later, on Dec. 16, 2011, much to the shock of the Howe family, Olsen was granted day parole and allowed to leave Bowden Institution.
The parole board states that drinking was a core element of how Olsen socialized. He has realized that he cannot have even a single drink, as it would likely lead to more, and that he doesn’t think rationally when intoxicated, according to the written decision.
“You (Olsen) spoke openly and genuinely at your day parole hearing and it was evident to the board that you were committed to sobriety so that a similar action would not occur,” says the document.
In its written decision, the parole board said that day parole would be extended for three months.
The report also says that Olsen has “maintained positive conduct at the halfway house and followed all the rules and regulations.”
“You (Olsen) were initially involved in psychological counselling to assist in your transition, but this has been discontinued,” says the report.
The board also noted that Olsen has demonstrated the ability to adhere to conditions of day parole and has shown motivation to get re-established successfully in the community. A significant sign that he is committed to pro-social change is demonstrated in his abstinence from alcohol, says the report.
The Correctional Service of Canada is now recommending granting full parole, and that Olsen’s case management team indicates that Olsen presents a low risk to re-offend. Another hearing will be held in August regarding full parole.
The document also shows that Olsen plans to live with his fiancee when he is granted full parole. She is viewed as a “reliable community contact.”
“You (Olsen) also continue to have a strong network of pro-social family and friends that offer support,” says the report.
The report also mentions that Olsen was recently served with a civil lawsuit in the amount of $3.5 million, made by the children of the Howes.
The parole board states that Olsen’s job has offered him the opportunity for advancement and an increase in income. His hope is that this will assist him in making payments regarding the lawsuit.
Olsen also has a goal of attending school in engineering to be able to become more financially capable.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com