Nicola Spagnolo, who is linked to the Montreal mafia according to the police and who was sentenced to three years in prison in 2023 for stabbing a young man, failed to convince the Parole Board of Canada (CLCC) to grant him his freedom.
Posted at 1:43 p.m.
Before the commissioners on October 31, Spagnolo, 49, denied being a member of the mafia and explained why and how he came to stab the customer of a bar with whom he had an argument, one evening of Summer 2020, in Old Montreal. The victim suffered serious injuries and the event had nothing to do with organized crime.
“The Commission considers that this demonstrates a dangerous propensity for violence, difficulty managing one’s emotions and conflicts, impulsivity, ease in using a weapon and significant disregard for the consequences of one’s actions on others,” the commissioners write in their 10-page decision, notably accusing Spagnolo of having had a knife in his possession when he was prohibited from doing so under previous convictions.
“Whether you are aware of the requirements of this ban or not, your failure to be aware of it and your failure to comply with your conditions, currently and previously, demonstrates, in the eyes of the Commission, a significant disregard for your legal obligations” , continue the commissioners.
Bad company
The commissioners also accuse Spagnolo of having had disciplinary breaches since the start of his incarceration and of having continued to associate with individuals linked to organized crime behind the walls.
The commissioners prefer to believe the intelligence, rather than Spagnolo, regarding his links with the mafia.
The commission considers that you have not shown discernment or particular attention to your associations, either in the community or in the establishment.
The Parole Board of Canada
“The Commission must also take note of the information from the SCC [Service correctionnel Canada] that you are linked to organized crime, despite your statements to the contrary. You admit that you know some people, but you don’t think it should be interpreted that you are affiliated if you simply spend time in their company playing golf, attending weddings and funerals, etc. “, we can read in the CLCC decision.
Undue risk
Although commissioners believe Spagnolo has begun to do some soul-searching, they believe parole would be premature.
“The Board is of the opinion that you will present an excessive risk to society if you are released on day parole or full parole, and that your release will not contribute to the protection of society by facilitating your reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen,” the commissioners explain.
According to police, Spagnolo is a member of the Sicilian clan of the Montreal mafia. He is the son of Vincenzo Spagnolo, murdered at his home in October 2016. According to our information, it was Nicola Spagnolo, and not his father, who was targeted that evening.
But during the hearing, Nicola Spagnolo said that her father was the victim of a home invasion.
To contact Daniel Renaud, call 514 285-7000, ext. 4918, write to [email protected] or write to the postal address of The Press.
