Spa day for killers has Fantino enraged
CHIEF DEMANDS MEETING WITH MINISTER OF PUBLIC SAFETY
TORONTO SUN, By KIM BRADLEY, Sun, September 5, 2004
POLICE CHIEF Julian Fantino is demanding a meeting with Anne McLellan, the federal minister of public safety, after learning that inmates at a women's prison were treated to a luxurious day at the spa. "I have said for some time that the criminal justice system is broken. This latest revelation confirms that nothing short of a comprehensive overhaul is sufficient," Fantino said yesterday after learning about the spa day enjoyed by violent offenders at Kitchener's Grand Valley Institution for Women on Aug.
"I will be seeking a meeting with Anne McLellan ... as a matter of urgency. I want to deliver my concerns to her personally," Fantino said.
Inmates, including child murderer Marcia Dooley and cop killer Mary Taylor, were among those who received manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy treatment and a harp serenade over tea on fine china.
Dooley was convicted two years ago of abusing and murdering her stepson Randall Dooley, 7, in what the judge called one of the worst child-abuse cases in Canadian history.
Taylor was a drug-addicted hooker who was convicted in 2000 of stabbing undercover Toronto Police Det. Bill Hancox in a parking lot in 1998 in an attempt to steal his van. Her lover, Elaine Rose Cece, was also convicted, but is serving her time elsewhere.
The Grand Valley spa day was set up by the prison's chaplaincy office and included community volunteers to help the women deal with stress, self-esteem and hygiene issues, the prison has said.
But neither Fantino nor the Police Association of Ontario are buying it.
Fantino said these women should not be afforded the luxuries that even average people can't have while the victims' families serve a life sentence.
"As a society, how can we possibly convince victims and their families that we take their plight seriously when those who have committed truly wicked crimes are given rewards beyond the reach of many Canadians," Fantino said.
"I would like to send my deepest regrets to P.C. Hancox's family and assure them I will do everything in my power to try and right what has gone so badly wrong."
Police Association president Bob Baltin said he wants an inquiry into the entire corrections system.
"The inmates are running the asylum. This is an insult to victims across the country," he said. "How many hard-working, law-abiding Canadians can afford a similar day?"
Last year the Police Association of Ontario lobbied the former public safety minister for jail reform.
kim.bradley@tor.sunpub.com
