Jacob Hoggard denied full parole; granted day parole at halfway house
Former Hedley frontman, serving 5-year sentence for sexual assault, given 6 months of supervised release with strict conditions.
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The Parole Board of Canada rejected Jacob Hoggard's bid for full parole this month, finding the former Hedley frontman requires professional supervision despite progress made in prison.
Hoggard, 41, is serving a five-year sentence after being found guilty in June 2022 of sexual assault causing bodily harm against an Ottawa woman. He was acquitted of the same charge and sexual interference against a teenage fan in that trial.
Instead of full parole, the board granted him six months of day parole at a halfway house, with conditions including a ban on being in the presence of girls under 18 unless accompanied by a responsible adult approved by his parole officer.
The two-member panel cited Hoggard's admitted lack of understanding of consent. During his hearing, he told the board he had "no understanding" of consent and didn't think about it during sexual encounters. The board noted this, combined with his history of numerous sexual encounters, his admitted view of women as objects, and his interest in violent and degrading sexual behaviour, made his conviction appear "part of a pattern of manipulation, predation, and sexual violence."
Hoggard maintained his innocence even after his appeal was dismissed in 2024, and only recently admitted guilt to his wife. The panel listed that as a reason for denying full parole—he had deceived his family for years, and "requires professional, arm's length supervision."