'Balaclava rapist' Larry Takahashi has day parole extended again

A serial rapist living in B.C. has had his day parole extended for another six months, with the parole board saying his continued rehabilitation will "contribute to the protection of society," as he reintegrates as a "law-abiding citizen."

Larry Takahashi "doesn't present an undue risk to society,"according to a decision from the Parole Board of Canada.

It said he's abided by the conditions of his parole since it was first granted more than a year agoand that his risk to reoffend can be "managed."

Takahashi, known as the "balaclavarapist",is serving three life sentences for attacking 23 victims in Edmonton throughout the early '80s.

He was originally chargedwith 70 sexual offencesbut pleaded guilty to 14 as part of a plea bargain.

Parole begins

Takahashi, now 65, was granted day parole in B.C. last yearafter serving 32 years in prison. He lives in a residential facility somewhere in Metro Vancouver.

The board said he didn't leave the centre for more than a month after his initial parole because of the media attention, only leaving escorted for a few hours at a time.

August's decisionnoted that he's participated in voluntary counsellingsessions, risk assessments and sex offender programming.

Takahashi's risk is being "actively managed," it said.

Under his parole conditions, Takahashi isn't allowed to consume alcohol or drugs,access pornography or use a computer without supervision. He's also undera curfew, is subject to electronicmonitoringand can't leave the city he lives in unless he's pre-approved for a trip.

The board has alsoordered him to report any kind of relationshipwith a woman sexual or not to his parole supervisor.

"You have brutalized women," readthe board'sdecision. "Your movements and associations with women must be restricted and strictly monitored in order to prevent any re-offence."

The Correctional Service of Canada recommended the board authorize overnight privileges,but it declined, saying Takahashihasn't "yet developed the stability or supports to be granted" such permission.