A former Edmonton nightclub promoter who was convicted of sexually assaulting multiple women has been granted full parole.
Matthew McKnight, then aged 33, was convicted in January 2020 of sexually assaulting five women. He had originally been charged in 2016 with 13 counts of of sexual assault.
During the 14-week trial, court heard that McKnight plied the women — who were between 18 and 22 at the time — with alcohol before inviting them back to his condo.
He was sentenced to eight years in prison but the Court of Appeal of Alberta later lengthened his sentence to 11 years.
McKnight was first released on day parole in March to a community-based residential facility in Vancouver.
On Sept. 11, the Parole Board of Canada granted him full parole.
Willingness to ‘live a pro-social life’
Documents from the board, obtained by CBC, state that letters from his counsellor indicated he was an active participant in counselling sessions and that he had demonstrated a commitment to personal change and growth.
The documents also state that McKnight has shown a willingness to “live a pro-social life and to avoid behaviours that would place [him] at risk of reoffending.”
A psychological risk assessment done in 2023 determined that he presented an “average” risk for reoffending.
McKnight’s conditions bar him from consuming alcohol, contacting victims, consuming drugs and entering drinking establishments. He must also report all of his sexual and non-sexual relationships with women and avoid the greater Edmonton area.
Offenders are eligible for full parole when they have served one-third of their sentence, or seven years, whichever is less. Full parole allows offenders to live in private residences.