Eskasoni man convicted of 'brutal' murder not eligible for parole for 14 years
It will be at least 14 years before Albert Michael Bernard spends a night outside prison.
Bernard is both a victim of a violence and a deadly perpetrator of violence. His life has been scarred by physical and sexual abuse and alcohol and drugs.
The 38-year-old Eskasoni, N.S., man was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Dale Dennis on Nov. 3, 2016.
In a sentencing decision, Supreme Court Justice Robin Gogan ruled that Bernard will have to serve at least 14 years of his life sentence behind bars before he's eligible for parole.
Her decision was released last week.
A vicious attack
After a night of drinking on July 4, 2015, Bernard viciously attacked Dennis. Bernard repeatedly punched and kicked Dennis' head and neck.
Dennis died in an ambulance on his way to hospital.
During the trial it was revealed that Bernard believed his girlfriend was cheating on him with Dennis.
The Crown wanted Bernard to serve 14-16 years in prison before being eligible for parole while the defence wanted him to serve 10 years.
Justice Gogan cited Bernard's extensive criminal record — which includes convictions for violent offences — and the brutal nature of the attack on Dennis as reasons why he should spend 14 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
"An overriding consideration is the immediate need to ensure that Mr. Bernard is separated from society and that society is protected from the person he has become," wrote Gogan in her sentencing decision.
"In this context, and given the very serious nature of the offence now before the court rehabilitation must take a back seat."
Community wounded by death
Dale Dennis' death didn't just hurt his immediate family — it had a "tremendous" impact on the entire community of Eskasoni, Gogan said.
Dennis was a much-loved member of the community, described as having a charismatic personality, a great sense of humour and a sensitivity to the needs of others.
Eskasoni First Nation Chief Leroy Denny told the court the violent attack on Dennis has affected many and Bernard is no longer welcome in the community.
Despite the 14-year wait to apply for parole, Bernard's future may still be brighter than his past.
Nightmare childhood
Bernard was the victim of physical and sexual abuse — he grew up in a home filled with domestic violence and alcohol addiction, according to the sentencing report.
Bernard was often mistreated by his own father.
School wasn't a sanctuary for Bernard either, as he was often bullied and then became a bully himself. He began drinking alcohol at age 11 and first used drugs at 13.
He stayed in school until Grade 7.
Alcohol addiction
As he grew older, Bernard's problems with alcohol became worse. Bernard could be the nicest person when he wasn't drinking — but would get jealous and controlling under the influence of alcohol, according to Bernard's brother John, who was quoted in the report.
Bernard would drink to the point of blacking out and would behave badly while drinking.
He started getting into trouble with the law and has a lengthy criminal record which includes 16 violence-related offences.
Justice Gogan states in her report that much of Bernard's criminal activity seems to be driven by his alcohol addiction.
"Unless Mr. Bernard finds a way to conquer his demons, he will be a threat to himself and his community in the future," wrote Gogan.
"Mr. Bernard's life to date, 38 years, has been defined by alcohol abuse and violence. Separation from these longer-term influences will not happen overnight and not without much hard work on Mr. Bernard's part."
