AIRDRIE INMATE WON'T QUIT POT

An Airdrie inmate is refusing to quit smoking marijuana while serving time
in prison.

According to a written decision by the National Parole Board, Wade Gunoff,
who is serving a three-year sentence for the aggravated assault of
61-year-old Ken Valgardson, was denied early release.

Gunoff who has tested positive for drugs five times while incarcerated,
said drug use has helped with the coping process of dealing with the
people and stresses within the institution and will not be needed once
he's released.

"You stated that you are 'different' from the other inmates and believe
you have nothing in common with them," the board wrote in its ruling.

"You stated that you have learned that you cannot take the law into your
own hands and that you are now keenly aware of the necessity for
considering the consequences of your actions."

According to the decision, Gunoff struggled when questioned regarding how
he would assess and decide which laws he would abide by and which ones he
wouldn't.

"You struggled with this question and your response implied that using
illegal drugs, specifically THC, was very minor and that it was not a
violent offence," the board stated.

"This was one of many statements you made indicating you have very limited
insight to the factors that have contributed to your criminal history."

The beating of Valgardson, who is now 64-years-old, took place following
an Airdrie house party in 2006.

Gunoff, 27, is scheduled for statutory release from the Drumheller
Insitution next April.