People stand outside the Halifax Shopping Centre on Tuesday, March 2, 2022, while police search for robbery suspects in the mall. One of the suspects arrested then in the robbery of a Halifax jewelry store and a Lower Sackville pawn shop has been granted day parole. – Tim Krochak / File Photo by Tim Krochak /Tim KrochakArticle contentA man who robbed two business in the Halifax region more than three years ago has been granted day parole but denied full parole.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Parole Board of Canada issued its decision earlier this month regarding the parole application from Daniel Christian Anthony Johnson, granting him six months of day parole at a halfway house when a spot opens up.Article contentArticle contentJohnson was sentenced to five years and six weeks in jail for robbery, forcible confinement, assault with a weapon and other charges after he and two accomplices committed two robberies with a firearm on March 1, 2022 in Halifax and Lower Sackville.Article contentArticle contentThey went into a Quinpool Road jewelry store and tried to rob it but fled empty-handed after an employee called police.Article contentThey later robbed a pawn shop on Sackville Drive in Lower Sackville, making off with $30,000 in jewelry in an incident in which the shop owner struggled with an armed accomplice of Johnson and a shotgun discharged into the floor.Article contentThe pair were later spotted and pursued to the Halifax Shopping Centre, where they attempted to flee on foot but were arrested.Article contentThe parole board panel said that the offences didn’t meet the Correctional Service of Canada criteria for serious harm, but it was concerned with the escalation of Johnson’s crime cycle, the use of a firearm and the impact on a business.Article content“As such, it sees your index offence as aggravating to your risk to reoffend,” the decision read.Article contentThe board said some of Johnson’s conduct in prison was concerning, with four incidents on his file, including testing positive for THC and retrieving a drone that contained drugs. At those times, he denied using marijuana and said he picked up the drone under threat of violence by another inmate.Article contentArticle content“While your institutional behaviour has recently improved, the board believes that your overall behaviour indicates an aggravated risk to reoffend and a continued need for structure and rules promoting a gradual rehabilitation as a law-abiding citizen,” the decision said.Article contentThe panel noted that Johnson has “demonstrated meaningful progress through program completion, cultural engagement, and sustained sobriety. Your ability to identify personal risk factors, such as substance use and negative associations, reflects increased insight and commitment to your healing journey.”Article contentIt also said that he has remained incident-free since completing an in-prison program and has shown a willingness to follow structured guidance, including understanding the rationale behind his parole officer’s recommendation for release to a halfway house instead of full paroleArticle contentAs part of his release conditions, Johnson can’t use or possess alcohol or non-prescribed drugs, must follow treatment plans arranged by his parole officer for substance abuse or mental health issues, and not associate with anyone who he knows, or would be reasonably expected to know, has a criminal record.Article content
Man who robbed two businesses before hiding in Halifax mall granted day parole
