A Langley man who killed someone in a road-rage hit-and-run will be granted statutory release in January, even though he is considered a moderate risk to reoffend and continues to have anger-management issues.
Brent Donald Parent, 47, is serving a 5.5-year sentence for criminal negligence causing death, dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident in connection with the death of 21-year-old Silas O’Brien.
In the early hours of March 13, 2008, O’Brien and two friends were driving to the airport and tried to pass Parent’s pickup on 16th Avenue in Langley, but Parent forced them off the road and into a ditch.
The young men got out of their overturned truck and were standing on the side of the road when Parent returned a few minutes later. The men shouted and waved at Parent, who swerved toward them and ended up hitting and killing O’Brien.
Parent heard the impact, but said at trial that he thought someone had thrown a rock or kicked his truck and said he had no idea he’d hit anyone until the next day.
Parent’s driving record is comprised of 64 infractions and was described in court as “egregious.” He also has a criminal history with convictions for cultivating a narcotic and mischief. Charges of failing to comply with a probation order, uttering threats and assault were stayed.
The incident that resulted in the threatening charge took place in 2009. He also received a ticket in 2010 for speeding in the same area as the hit-and-run.
Parent was sent to prison in May 2012. His statutory release date is Jan. 10. Statutory release is automatically granted to most offenders after they have served two-thirds of their sentence.
According to a parole board decision from February – in which he was denied day parole – Parent has upgraded his education and participated in programming while in custody. He has maintained institutional employment and been on escorted temporary absences without concern. Parent has been in a minimum-security prison for two years.
Although he appears to have benefited from programming, reports stated that Parent still lacks “the internalization and use of skills necessary for effectively managing high-stress situations.”
When he was considered for day parole, Parent’s file indicated he had a limited understanding of his offence cycle, minimal understanding or commitment to relapse prevention, had displayed a sense of entitlement and demanding behaviour and was unable to follow direction.
In September 2014, a close family member sent a letter to the board alleging that Parent was involved in criminal activity and had exploited his power of attorney regarding another family member for financial gain. The woman also claimed that Parent had threatened her from prison.
The letter was forwarded to police but no charges were recommended. Parent denied the allegations.
Parent’s sister told Global B.C. in June that she sent a letter to the parole board. She said her brother “hasn’t changed a bit” and is “a ruthless person.”
The most recent parole board decision – regarding statutory release – states that a spousal assault risk assessment was conducted and Parent is considered a moderate risk for violence toward a partner or others. He has a history of dysfunctional relationships, having a bad temper and being a bully to intimidate partners.
Parent is also considered a moderate risk for general or violent reoffending.
“Your anger-management issues are well documented in your file; the index offence was the result of road rage and your inability to manage your frustration,” the board wrote.
To protect the public and help with his reintegration, six special conditions have been imposed on Parent’s statutory release: not consuming alcohol, avoiding people who are involved in criminal activity or substance abuse, not contacting the victims, following a treatment plan for anger management and violence, not operating a motor vehicle – he is prohibited from driving for 12 years – and reporting all intimate relationships and friendships with women.
Parent’s sentence expires on Nov. 9, 2017.
– Jennifer Saltman is a reporter for the Vancouver Province. Read more Province stories HERE.
