Former biker a free man on full parole

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This article was published 26/04/2014 (4398 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Former high-ranking Hells Angels member Ian Grant is now a free man, despite being sentenced until 2022.

Parole documents obtained by the Free Press this week show Grant, 40, was given full parole during an April 17 hearing. Officials applauded Grant for significant changes he’s made in his life, including walking away from the notorious outlaw motorcycle gang.

His case worker told the parole board they have independently confirmed through justice officials Grant is no longer affiliated with the Hells Angels.

“You continue to present with a positive, future-oriented attitude and are committed to your supervision plan,” the parole board wrote. “In reaching today’s decision, the board found you to be open and transparent about your offences.”

As part of Grant’s parole conditions, which will be in place until his full sentence expires, he must avoid any contact with known bikers and provide a monthly financial statement so officials can verify his earnings are legitimate.

Grant was sentenced in 2007 to 15 years behind bars for his role in an elaborate drug operation busted in an undercover police sting.

He got his first taste of freedom in July 2012, thanks to a successful day-parole application that allowed him to spend his days in the community and his nights in a halfway house. His day parole was renewed every six months since. The National Parole Board has repeatedly praised Grant for his progress.

He has worked several jobs, opened his own painting company, attended treatment programs and upgraded his education.

He also renounced his gang association by having his Hells Angels tattoos “dated,” which signifies the end of a membership. The physically imposing Grant also turned heads by “confronting” other Hells members and associates in prison to tell them he was out of the gang, according to the parole board.

“You have also attended a number of (redacted in documents) where you speak about the ‘biker lifestyle,’ ” the parole board wrote in their original decision to grant day parole.

There were no allegations of any breaches of day-parole conditions, which forbid contact with his former criminal cohorts and using drugs and alcohol.

Grant has been rated a low risk to reoffend, but police in Manitoba have voiced their objection to his release on the grounds they believe he is manipulating the system. Grant is an excellent public speaker and has above-average intelligence, acting as his own lawyer at his trial.

For those reasons, sources say, police have been watching him closely, knowing any parole breaches would land him back behind bars, where he could be forced to serve the remaining nine years of his sentence.

www.mikeoncrime.com