The sentencing of Dennis Oland for second degree murder in the July 2011 bludgeoning death of his father, Richard Oland, is underway at the Saint John Law Courts with the prosecution calling for him to serve from 12-15 years before coming up for parole while the defence is seeking the minimum of 10 years.
It was standing room only in the courtroom this morning, even with the addition of extra chairs. 47-year-old Dennis Oland sat in the prisoner’s box wearing a jacket and tie and listening intently to the proceedings, every so often looking in the direction of his family and smiling.
Crown prosecutor Patrick Wilbur telling the court that the brutal nature of this crime—pointing to the 45 blows that Richard Oland suffered, “calls out for something more than the minimum” and that the whole responsibility for the “heinous act” rests on the shoulders of Dennis Oland.
Defense lawyer Gary Miller says the jury’s recommendation of 10 years should be accepted. Miller says “there’s nothing about this case that ought to take it out of the recommendation by the jury.”
There were 73 character reference letters written for Dennis Oland, however seven of those were pulled from the record and three of them were edited. A letter to the court from his uncle, and executive chairman of Moosehead Breweries, Derek Oland says Dennis is “one of the most decent and kindest of men, always a credit to the Oland family.” Dennis Oland’s wife Lisa, in her letter, says “our kids need their dad.” Oland wiped his eyes and nose with tissue while listening to Miller talking about these character letters.
Dennis Oland was asked by Justice Jack Walsh if he had anything he wished he say, and he said no. The court is now on break until 2pm.
A second-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence, however parole eligibility can be set anywhere from 10 to 25 years.
CHSJ News reporter Laura Lyall is covering the sentencing hearing and is live-tweeting from the courtroom. You can follow along by going to the CHSJ News Twitter page or the Wave News Twitter page.