![['Telegram file photo<br />Philip Pynn is shown in court.']](https://saltwire.imgix.net/philip-pynn-3009500.jpg?cs=srgb&fit=crop&h=568&w=847&dpr=1&auto=compress%2Cformat%2Cenhance)
Philip Pynn expressed his excitement over his upcoming release from prison on social media a few weeks ago.
“Hitting the block... out on the 15!!!!!!! Looking forward to it!!,” a post on the 32-year-old’s Facebook account said
Pynn, having served two thirds of his sentence for manslaughter, was released from Atlantic Institution in Renous, N.B. Tuesday and transferred to a halfway house in Nova Scotia, where he will live under strict conditions until April 2020.
Sources say he was originally set to be moved to a halfway house in St. John’s, but the plan changed.
Pynn was convicted of manslaughter for accidentally shooting Nick Winsor in a garage on Portugal Cove Road five years earlier. He was sentenced to an eight-and-a-half-year prison term in February 2015 following a lengthy trial at Newfoundland Supreme Court. Credit given for time already spent in custody left about four years on his term.
Another 14 months were added to his jail time after he was convicted for his involvement in a 2014 prison riot at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary. Pynn had pleaded guilty to taking part in a riot and assault causing bodily harm. He was one of several inmates who attacked fellow inmate Kenny Green in the prison’s chapel.
Pynn had been scheduled for release at the end of July, but remained in prison after being charged with assaulting a peace officer and assault with a weapon.
The parole board ruled earlier that month to place particularly strict conditions on Pynn once he was released, allowing him no leave privileges. He must return every night to the facility where he is staying.
Pynn must also abstain from alcohol and drugs, avoid any contact with the victims and their families, as well as people believed to be involved with criminal activity. He must reside at a community correctional centre or community residential facility or another residential facility approved by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).
The board noted the conditions will be imposed to protect the community, as Pynn would be a high risk to re-offend without them, and has made little progress in changing his ways.
The board said Pynn has continued to demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a pro-criminal social network and has engaged in violent behaviour while behind bars, both at provincial and federal prisons.
"CSC has also identified him as a founding member of a prison gang," the board said about Pynn, who reportedly founded the St. John's Mob Squad at Her Majesty's Penitentiary.
"The board considers that you have shown a propensity for violence indiscriminately against different individuals, in different forms and in a variety of contexts," the report stated. "The board notes your blatant disregard for others and you are not deterred while incarcerated.
"The board views you as an individual who strictly adheres to a pro-criminal way of life. Your values and lifestyle are deeply entrenched and you maintain associates with similar values." — Parole Board of Canada
The board's concerns about his behaviour while in prison resulted in a placement to a higher security, yet, "you've returned to your offence cycle despite being in a controlled environment with supports available."
It pointed out that while Pynn has completed programming and is motivated to make necessary changes, his efforts haven't demonstrated that.
"The board believes you still have a propensity for violence," it wrote.
Until Pynn shows he is able to abide by rules and conditions, he will be closely monitored and supervised.
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