Corner Brook man who attacked man with axe granted day parole

Parole Board of Canada says Evan Long is not ready for full parole

A west coast man serving time for a violent aggravated assault has been granted day parole. Evan Long, 35, had been living in Corner Brook when he attacked another man outside an apartment building in the Elizabeth Street area of the city on March 3, 2023. He attacked the 57-year-old man, whose name is protected by a publication ban, with a knife and an axe, causing 15 to 16 wounds, including a fracture to his skull.

He was found guilty of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose on Jan. 21, 2025, following a jury trial in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. He was found not guilty of a charge of attempted murder. He was sentenced in October 2025 to four and a half years in jail.

He was credited with 518 days for the time he had served on remand following his arrest in March 2023 until he was granted bail in February 2024. He was credited with an additional 46 days because his sentencing had to be postponed in August 2025 due to a shortage of sheriff’s officers at the Corner Brook courthouse. That reduced his sentence by a total of 564 days, leaving him with 1,079 days to serve.

Full parole denied In a decision dated July 2, the Parole Board of Canada granted Long day parole for a period of six months but denied him full parole. Long will reside in a community-based residential facility during that time. In considering granting parole, the board looked at Long’s criminal history, which includes prior convictions for assault related offences.

The board noted that there is a victim statement on file in which they speak to the emotional and physical harm caused by Long. In it, the man said he remains traumatically affected and is still dealing with the physical injuries he suffered. In terms of Long’s behaviour since being incarcerated, the board noted that he has been spending his time productively, attending school and volunteering with the library program.

He’s had no incidents or dispositions noted on file and is reported to be helpful within the institution. Long has completed the extended interview and the Integrated Correctional Program Model (ICPM) Multi Target Moderate Intensity Program, and it has been recommended that he participate in maintenance to reinforce the skills he’s learned.

The board also said Long’s accountability is rated as high and his motivation level and reintegration is rated as medium. He is considered to be engaged in his correctional plan. At his hearing, Long told the board that at the time of the March 2023 offence, he had been mentally unstable and now realizes he should have accepted the help offered by close family members.

Through programming and prescribed medication, the board said Long now appears to be able to understand his flawed thinking at the time of the offence and the steps he needs to take to steer clear of criminal activity in the future. Release plan Long’s release plan is to transition to a community residential facility close to his community supports. He has strong family support in the area and confirmed employment.

He’ll also have access to professional support for mental health and addictions and access to cultural support. The board said it believes that full parole is premature at this time, saying that Long requires a period of time in the community to reacclimate and demonstrate stability. While on day parole, Long will be subject to the following conditions: - Not to consume drugs or alcohol, - Take his medication as prescribed, - Report any sexual and non-sexual relationships and friendships with women or any changes to the status of those relationships/friendships to his parole supervisor, - Have no direct or indirect contact with his victim or the victim’s family, and - Not associate or communicate with any person he knows or has reason to believe is involved in criminal activity.