Balcony Rapist charged with violating parole condition

Jack Keating , CanWest News Service
Published: Monday, October 15, 2007

VANCOUVER - Paul Callow, the so-called Balcony Rapist, has been charged with violating one of the many parole conditions releasing him from prison.

"We're alleging that on August 7th, 2007, in Surrey that Mr. Callow did breach the condition of his recognizance that stipulates that he "will attend and participate in assessments counselling or programming as may be directed by a probation officer," said Crown Counsel spokesman Stan Lowe on Monday.

Callow, who lives with his sister in Surrey, B.C., is scheduled to appear in Chilliwack provincial court on Nov. 2 for his first appearance on the allegation.

Callow, a.k.a. Jack Alverez, was dubbed as the Balcony Rapist in Toronto during the summer of 1986 when he entered women's second- and third-floor apartments through their balcony doors, tied them up at knifepoint and raped them.

Callow, who was convicted of five rapes in Toronto, was released from prison in B.C. in February after serving his full 20-year sentence.

Earlier this year, he faced a series of angry protests from local residents in Surrey and then in New Westminster, B.C., when police revealed the convicted serial rapist was living in their communities.

If the Crown proceeds summarily, the maximum penalty is six months in jail and a $2,000 fine. If the Crown proceeds by indictment, the maximum penalty is two years in jail.

Neither Callow nor his lawyer, Michael Jackson, were unavailable for comment.

But Callow told The Surrey Leader newspaper that he rescheduled an appointment with two forensic psychiatrists, which, he said, led parole authorities to allege he refused to undergo a psychiatric assessment.

There were 17 court-ordered conditions attached to his release, including prohibitions against possessing alcohol or drugs or being found in licensed premises were alcohol is served.

He may not possess weapons, rope, tape, pliers, electrical wire or other forms of restraint and must abide by an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

He also must inform any woman he befriends about his criminal record.