Former hockey coach Bernie Lynch’s day parole voided for contacting victim

For the second time, former junior hockey coach Bernie Lynch’s day parole was revoked this summer.

According to parole documents, Lynch was released on day parole in December, 2024 and appeared to be doing well out in the community. That lasted until May, when his victim reported to police that he’d received a friend request from Lynch on Facebook. Among Lynch’s conditions for his release were to not contact the victim, either directly or indirectly.

Warrants were issued immediately, and Lynch was brought back into custody.

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The parole document said Lynch had admitted he’d been searching the victim’s social media profile monthly for the past six months – he’d heard from others that the victim was posting about him. However, Lynch later said that he’d only accessed the victim’s Facebook page three times.

Lynch argued the friend request was accidental, and said he didn’t realize he’d sent it. He said he’d been doing research and reaching out to others for a book he’s writing, and it may have happened then.

The parole board didn’t believe the explanations Lynch gave, and said his risk has been elevated to an “undue” level to be allowed out in the community.

“The Board does not believe there is any viable release plan that could manage your risk in the community even with the addition of a Telecommunication Restriction as you lack insight into your offending cycle,” read the decision.

In December of 2023, Lynch was found guilty of assault and sexual assault against a 17-year-old boy in a case dating back to 1988. Lynch was coaching the Regina Pats at the time of the offence.

Lynch pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence at that time. He was sentenced to three years less three days in January 2024.

According to the parole documents, Lynch now accepts responsibility for his actions, but he downplayed it during the hearing and tended to portray himself as a victim.

First day parole

This is the second time Lynch has been released and brought back into custody. The first was for a little more than four weeks in the fall of 2024.

Lynch had been granted day parole and went to live at a community-based residential facility. Staff found him aggressive toward them – demanding and swearing – and said his behaviour was inappropriate and he had boundary issues with other offenders, including getting into their personal space and asking intrusive questions about sexual activity. He also appeared to have become obsessed with helping one young roommate.

His day parole was cancelled after the behaviour continued, despite warnings.