Elery Long, Delta police officer's killer, granted full parole

A man, who has spent most of the last four decades in prisonfor murdering a Delta police officer in 1974 has been granted full parole.

It's the second time 69-year-old Elery Long has been paroled.

Long killed S/Sgt. Ron McKay in 1974, claiming the sawed-off shotgun he was carrying accidentally went off when he put the weapon to the officer's chest.

When Canada abolished the death penalty, Long'ssentence was commuted to life in prison.

Parole Board documents show in the 15 years since he was first released, Long has abused drugs and alcohol, misspent a student loan, stalked a woman, and lied to his parole officers.

However, the board has now ruled that Long'ssustained sobriety, lack of violence and success while on day parole has made him eligible to live in an undisclosed community on Vancouver Island.

He must abide by several conditions, including staying away from illegal drugs or alcohol.