The Parole Board of Canada has revoked day parole for Kerry Marie Sim, formerly known as Kelly Ellard, after assessing her as a potential risk to public safety. The decision came in light of her ongoing drug use, multiple rule violations, and concerning behavior during her time under community supervision.
Criminal lawyer Michael Mulligan commented on the implications of the ruling, emphasizing the gravity of a life sentence despite eligibility for parole after seven years. He pointed out that while Sim was granted day parole in 2017, her continued issues highlight that release does not guarantee freedom.
Sim, now 42, was convicted in 2005 for the second-degree murder of 14-year-old Reena Virk in Saanich, a crime characterized by a violent group assault. Although initially treated as a youth, she was tried and sentenced as an adult due to the severity of her actions. Following her incarceration, she was allowed to live at a community residential facility while her day parole was periodically renewed.
However, the Parole Board’s recent decision, made on June 23, 2025, revealed a series of behavioral problems. Sim had previously faced arrest for breaching parole conditions, and her subsequent actions included testing positive for methamphetamines and failing to provide urine samples when requested. In a particularly troubling pattern, her behavior during custody has been described as problematic, including emotional outbursts and threats of self-harm.
The board highlighted that her refusal to take responsibility for her actions and her recent incidents of drug use in custody indicated an alarming risk of reoffending. Although she expressed efforts in caring for her children and showed some intermittent progress, the board concluded her overall behavior reflected a mindset that posed an unacceptable danger to public safety.
Mulligan explained that this decision marks a return to the federal penitentiary for Sim, underscoring the seriousness of adherence to parole conditions and the potential consequences of failing to do so. The board’s ruling serves as a stern reminder of the complexities of the parole system and the importance of ongoing personal accountability for those released into the community. This situation also emphasizes the challenge of reintegrating individuals with significant criminal histories and highlights the need for appropriate support and monitoring during this process.