Serial domestic abuser from N.L. released from prison, amid warnings he's at high risk to reoffend

A serial domestic abuser and sex offender who left a trail of victims across eastern Canada has been released from prison, despite being deemed a high risk to reoffend.

Adam Budgell was convicted of sexual assault, forcible confinement and choking in 2019 in a Welland, Ont., court, and has spent the last two years behind bars.

Due to Canadian law, he has to spend the final third of his 40-month sentence in a residential facility, or halfway house, somewhere in the country. 

A parole decision issued late last month shows Budgell isn't allowed to contact three of his victims or have any relationship with a woman without notifying his parole officer. He also has to return to the halfway house each night, and can't drink alcohol or use drugs.

It also found that Budgell "presented a high risk of imminent domestic violence" and a moderate risk of reoffending in general.

"Your community supervision history is limited but you have breached probation, undertakings, and non-contact order in the past, including current breaches where you committed additional domestic violence while under conditions," the file reads, in support of its decision to have Budgell closely monitored while living in the greater community.

The Parole Board of Canada and Corrections Canada wouldn't reveal Budgell's whereabouts, however, citing privacy laws.