FORT FRANCES – While the Parole Board of Canada said the actions of former Fort Frances nurse Lindsey Coyle were very serious, there does not appear to be an indication she will reoffend when released.
Coyle is currently serving a two-year sentence after pleading guilty to the charge of criminal negligence causing death.
The charge relates to the death of 76-year-old Hermina Fletcher, who was a patient at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances in January 2015. As part of her care plan, Fletcher was prescribed morphine by her physician.
Coyle was a registered practical nurse employed by the hospital at that time. She admitted she was abusing opioids during this period and would steal morphine from the hospital.
In early January 2015, Coyle altered Fletcher’s medication administration record by increasing the dosage in order to steal morphine for her own use. She did not change the dosage back and Fletcher was given an increased dose of morphine.
The night of Jan. 4, 2015, Fletcher lost consciousness and died the next morning. A forensic pathologist determined that on the balance of probabilities, Fletcher died as a result of acute morphine toxicity.
Coyle was sentenced to two years in custody following a hearing in January 2024, with Justice Pieter Joubert noting the seriousness of the offence and the trauma it has left on the Fletcher family.
A hearing before the Parole Board of Canada was held on Aug. 13, 2024, with the board denying full parole, but granting day parole.
In the parole board’s decision that was recently released, several mitigating and aggravating factors in Coyle’s case were noted in coming to the decision to grant day parole.
The mitigating factors included Coyle’s lack of a criminal record prior to this incident, her participation in programming and counselling, having a structured release plan, and her low risk to reoffend.
“Having considered your actuarial risk measures, the Board gives mitigating weight to your assessed low level of risk,” the decision reads.
But the parole board did note the seriousness of the offence as a significant aggravating factor and that Coyle’s actions resulted in Fletcher’s death.
“Although you have a limited criminal history, the nature of your index offence is serious. You are serving a federal sentence for a conviction relating to your actions that caused the victim's death,” the decision reads.
“This index offending is a considerable aggravating factor in your case, and in making the current decision the Board does not overlook this or its devastating consequences.”
The decision goes on to say that the offence: “demonstrates the potential for serious harm should [Coyle] reoffend,” but adds: “the Board places more weight on factors that speak to risk mitigation that you have accomplished.”
“You are a first-time offender and take full responsibility for your criminal activities and today in your hearing expressed remorse for the victims of your actions. You spoke of the shame you felt for what you had done, that you were in a very selfish space at the time of the offending,” the decision reads.
“Your dynamic domain risk factors are assessed as low need for intervention. Your actuarial risk places you as low risk for recidivism. And your accountability, motivation and reintegration potential are all assessed as high.”
The day parole will permit Coyle to serve out the remainder of her sentence at her home with her family in Fort Frances. Special conditions have been imposed and include following a treatment plan, abstaining from alcohol and drugs, having no contact with any individuals believed to be involved in criminal activity, and having no contact with members of Fletcher’s family.
“The Board also considered imposing a geographic restriction, as requested by the victims,” the decision reads. “While the condition could be considered reasonable, as even incidental contact with you could negatively impact the victims, the condition does not appear necessary. You will be subject to a travel radius. Any travel outside that radius requires a permit approved by your parole supervisor.”
Members of Fletcher’s family filed a civil action against Coyle, and in May 2024 a judge ruled Coyle must pay $130,000 in damages to Fletcher’s estate.
