Larry Takahashi, serial rapist who targeted women in Edmonton, free on day parole in B.C.

A serial rapist who targeted women in Edmonton decades agois now free on day parole in Vancouver though he's subject to several conditions.

Larry Takahashi's request for six months unescorted day parolewas supported by the Correctional Service of Canada, which had actually recommended full parole.

'Your risk to reoffend is manageable on day parole and is not an undue risk.'- Parole Board of Canada decision

The Parole Board of Canada, which makes these decisions, denied him full parole.

But the parole boarddid approve day release with a number of conditions.In its July ruling, the board said Takahashi's "risk to reoffend is manageable on day parole and is not an undue risk."

Now 63, Takahashi hopes to find work in the Lower Mainland and has agreed to electronic monitoring.

'Balaclava Rapist'

Takahashi's crimes date back to Edmonton in the late1970sand early1980s, when women were being attacked by a man in aski mask, who becameknownas the"balaclavarapist."

Arrested in 1983,Takahashiwas originally charged with 70 sexual offences against 23 victims, including pregnant women and university students.

As part of a plea bargain, Takahashipleaded guilty to 14 charges: three counts of rape, six counts of forcible confinement and disguise with intent, and two counts of sexual assault with a weapon and aggravated sexual assault.

The remainingcharges were stayed or withdrawn as part of the plea deal, according to the Parole Board.

"You admitted to having more victims than those in the crimes for which you were convicted," according to the Parole Board ruling.

According to the ruling,Takahashi admitted to "hands on" attacks of 29 women.

At a latertime, stated the Parole Board, "you said it was possible that you had other victims whose charges against you were stayed or that you were not charged with."

Victims included students, pregnant mothers

The evidence showed Takahashi followed women, broke into their homes and apartment buildings, threatened victimswith a knife, and sometimesrobbed them after the sexual assault.

You continue to have sexual fantasies about rape.- Parole Board of Canada decision

He sexually assaultedone mother in front of her children.

He threatened to kill a pregnant woman during anattack.

And his attackcaused another pregnant victimto miscarry twins.

"You are capable of extreme violence," the Parole Board statedin its July ruling approving his partial release. "You planned and pursued the victims; you were a cold, callous sexual offender with no regard for the plight of the victims."

This month, board members also expressed concern "that you continue to have sexual fantasies about rape", but acknowledged progress because Takahashi had recently admitted it during a psychological assessment, instead of denying it.

Day parole subject to 11 conditions

Takahashi began serving three concurrent lifesentences in 1984.Now, he'll be free during the day andreturn to a secure facility at night.

He'll also besubject to 11 parole conditions, including beingprohibited from using drugs, alcohol, pornography, or computers.

He has to stay away from his victims and his victims'families and he'sbeen orderedto avoid all college and university housing areas "to limit potential triggers."

He must alsoinform his parole supervisor of all relationships and friendships with females, and get permission before travelling with womenin a private vehicle "to reduce the likelihood of you encountering an opportunity for victims."

Takahashi will also be subject to an overnight curfew, as his sex crimes occurred "in the early morning hours."

He's also been ordered to getcounselling and treatment for sexual deviancy.

Arrested in 1983, Takahashi has done timeat federal prisons in British Columbia.

He's been granted more than 500 work releases,escorted absences, and temporary absences over the last decade.

The Parole Board noted he had recently earned the "trusted position"of being theprison driver, withclearance to refuel outside the prison gates, and had "not violated this trust."

Victims didn't attend hearing

But it hasn'talways gone smoothly on the outside, according to the Parole Board.

At times, Takahashi broke rules and pushed boundaries. For example, heattendeda community movie with violence against women, renteda car, bookeda massage, drankalcohol, and spenttime with another sex offender.

In 2013, his temporary releaseto a Victoria halfway house sparked outrage in the community.

The Parole Board noted "extensive media coverage" of Takahashi's previous attempts toreturn to society

No victims attended Takahashi's latest parole board hearing in person.

But the board took note of the "never ending devastating impact your crime has had. They speak to the horror you caused them."