Clarification: Stopanski did serve his full prison term

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on July 9, 2022.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

A recent report in the News included unclear language that may lead readers to form an incorrect opinion of the parole system.

In 2014, Jerrison Stopanski was given a seven-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the 2012 death of Amy Lewis.

He was released from prison in late 2017, the July 6 article stated, “after serving only five years.”

That wording could give the impression he was released early when, in fact, he completed his prison term.

The apparent difference in time comes from two years served in custody between his initial arrest in mid-2012 and the 2014 sentencing – time credited under court rules at 1.5 days for each day served.

The Canadian government abolished two-for-one credit in sentencing in 2009 legislation.

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