Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Nova Scotia RCMP say a high-risk offender whose offences were once called “unprovoked, brutal, sadistic” by a judge has recently moved from Truro, N.S., to Lower Sackville, N.S.
Gregory Ernest Last, who is in his 40s, was imprisoned for offences that included aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, and assault with a weapon.
Last, who is originally from Nova Scotia, committed the sex offences while living in Ontario in the early 2000s. He was later declared a dangerous offender.
“Your offences occurred during three separate incidents, two of which were perpetrated against women and involved weapons — a gun, a cup and a remote control,” said a 2015 decision by the Parole Board of Canada that denied parole to Last.
“You used threats, choked your victims and committed intrusive and brutal sexual assaults.”
The third incident happened in prison and involved Last and another inmate assaulting a third inmate, with Last “kicking and striking him with a homemade club while your accomplice used a shank,” said a 2019 parole decision.
Risk to reoffend
Last was granted full parole in December 2025 and was initially living in Truro.
That decision says actuarial assessments indicate Last’s general risk to reoffend is moderate, while his risk to reoffend sexually and with violence is high.
“Deficits in problem solving, self-regulation, interpersonal skills, general aggression, and sexual aggression have all contributed significantly to your offence cycle,” the board wrote.
“Through your index offences, you have shown a tendency to use physical violence and violence with weapons to intimidate and to render victims unconscious, in order to fulfil your deviant sexual acts.”
Prison incidents
A separate 2025 parole decision noted Last’s time in prison “was not without incident, and you were involved in many violent and serious incidents.” He received 38 institutional charges, of which he was found guilty of 24.
The board noted his institutional behaviour improved in the three years prior to day parole being granted in late 2024.
The board says Last’s motivation and accountability levels are high, and his reintegration potential has increased from low to moderate.
It said that he’s been engaged with his correctional plan, transparent with his case management team and is working in a family member’s construction business.
The board said Last has attended and volunteered at events within the Black Nova Scotian community, including a three-day wellness retreat for Black men.
“Rarely has the board seen a community support network as strong as the one surrounding you: it is a network that has shown its strength and proven itself over the course [of] your 13-month release,” it said.
Victim impact statements
A victim impact statement filed with the board expressed concern about Last’s release, requesting that “a special condition preventing you from travelling in [redacted]” be imposed, which was.
A second victim opposed Last’s release. Her victim impact statement said her life — and that of her family — were forever changed by Last’s actions.
“She states that, even after 21 years since the crime, your actions continue to shape her life but no longer define her. She continues to be fearful of you and requests that a special condition be imposed on you to ensure you have no contact with her or her family,” the board said. That condition was also granted.
Some of the other conditions of Last’s full parole include continuing to take psychological counselling and reporting relationships.
MORE TOP STORIES
