File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dave Barry

Day parole

Day parole for man convicted in fatal houseboat crash

Jul 9, 2020 | 2:06 PM

KAMLOOPS — A man who was found guilty of criminal negligence causing death and sentenced to three years in jail, has been granted day parole. Leon Reinbrecht drove a speeding boat into a houseboat on Shuswap Lake in July, 2010, killing one person and injuring several others.

In making its decision, the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) found Reinbrecht still doesn’t accept complete responsibility for his actions. The PBC report states “While he does not take full responsibility for the offence, he does recognize some poor decisions leading up to it, such as choosing to go boating late at night.”

During his court proceedings, it was determined Reinbrecht had been seen drinking during the day and again on the boat which was taken out in the evening to watch fireworks. In addition, witnesses also reported seeing Reinbrecht smoking marijuana while on the boat. Witnesses say Reinbrecht went on a joyride during the dark evening, narrowly missing other boaters before slamming into the houseboat.

Victim impact statements considered by the PBC revealed the incident left eight surviving victims with injuries and trauma, some which could have lifelong economic and psychological consequences.

Under the rules outlined for his day parole, Reinbrecht can’t be out after 11:00 pm. He can’t consume alcohol or any drugs, other than prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

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Upon his conviction and the conclusion of several appeals, Reinbrecht was placed in minimum security prison in April, 2019. He was denied parole in August, 2019. One of the reasons for the denial was that the PBC believed “further work in the areas of victim empathy, substance abuse and understanding of your risk factors” was required.

The PBC believes Reinbrecht has demonstrated a good work ethic over his life and says his former employer has expressed a willingness to employ him once again. The report says Reinbrecht is looking to quit drinking and does not present an undue risk to the public under the conditions of his day parole. However, the PBC denied an application by Reinbrecht for full parole.