A B.C. Sheriff prepares to escort Matthew Foerster into a van for transport out of the courthouse.

(CHARLOTTE HELSTON - REPORTER / iNFOnews.ca)

VERNON - When Matthew Foerster was sentenced this week at the Vernon courthouse, there was a noticeable heightening of security.

Additional court sheriffs were brought in to escort Foerster from cells to the courtroom, and extra guards could be seen patrolling the hallways and gallery where family and members of the public were seated. Media could not get anywhere near Foerster for a photo or comment during his exit from the courthouse into a black B.C. Sheriffs van flanked on both sides by additional vehicles. Reporters were given the uncommon order to stay back while Foerster was brought out in shackles to the waiting van.

The Ministry of Attorney General wouldn’t comment specifically on the increased security, including why it was deemed necessary.

“Sheriffs routinely carry out threat and risk assessments as part of their responsibilities. Court Services Branch does not disclose security measure details to ensure they remain effective,” the ministry said in an email. “Costs associated with extra security measures are managed within the existing budget framework.”

During the sentence hearing, defence lawyer Ken Beatch said Foerster was initially classified as a high security inmate. According to the Correctional Service of Canada, inmates with that ranking are kept in facilities with 20 ft walls or fences, guard towers, and corrections officers equipped with guns. Some inmates live in segregation, either due to behavioural problems or as a result of their crimes.

According to Beatch, Foerster was held for some time at B.C.’s Kent Institution — the only maximum security facility in the Pacific region — but was later moved to Matsqui, a medium security prison in Abbotsford.

According to documents obtained by iNFOnews.ca, Foerster was the target of at least one attack while in jail. A Parole Board of Canada decision for Stephen Foerster, Matthew’s dad, describes a June 2014 assault.

“You (Stephen Foerster) attempted to assist another inmate who was being assaulted. The victim of the assault was your son and you threw hot coffee at his assailant, causing blisters to the inmate’s face and burning your son,” the parole documents say.

During his time in jail, Foerster has made use of numerous rehabilitative programs and has taken to meditating over the last six months. He worked for a while as a grounds keeper and now as an administrative building cleaner, tidying the ward, Beatch said.

“That type of job is only given to inmates that can be trusted,” Beatch said, noting Foerster is a “model inmate”.

Beatch said the aim in correctional services is to move inmates into minimum security when they start doing well. 

Foerster received an automatic life sentence this week, but he will become eligible to apply for parole in 2029.

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