Edward Downey a career criminal who was violent against women, parole documents show

Double murder suspect Edward Downey's bids for freedom were twice denied by the parole board, which cited his likelihood to commit "a violent offence" particularly against a woman if released.

Newly released documents shed light on the man accused of murdering a five-year-old girl and her mother last week, painting Downey as a career criminal who often worked as a pimp and in the drug trade, according to the Parole Board of Canada.

Downey is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of five-year-oldTaliyah Marsmanand her mother Sara Baillie, 34.

• What we know about Edward Downey, charged in killing of Taliyah Marsman and her mother

The 46-year-old was charged after Taliyah's body was foundon a rural property east of Chestermere, Alta., late Thursday, ending athree-day Amber Alert. Earlier in the week, her mother was found slain in a basement suite thatshe shared with the child.

Downey's criminal history which involves mostly pimping, drug trafficking and weapons offences began in 1989 according to his parole documents obtained by CBC News.

After his first bid for accelerated parole in 2008, Downey was denied both day and full parole as his risk to the community was noted to be "undue." He was servinga four-year federal sentence for cocaine trafficking and a firearms charge at the time.

He hadalso been involved as the "debt collection muscle" in an illegal prison tobacco selling business and had admitted to board membershis involvement in prostitution over the years.

"There is evidence you have been involved as a 'pimp' and have 'run' prostitutes," reads the board's decision."Living on the avails of prostitution brings with it certain amounts of threatening/intimidating control over women."

Board members noted Downey had a 19-year-old girlfriend who worked as a prostitute.

He was never charged in this incident, but the parole board noted:

"After she paid you she was able to contact police ... there is indication that you had threatened this victim in the past and physically assaulted her."

Downey was born in Dartmouth, N.S., in 1970 and reported to the parole board that he had a positive upbringing devoid of substance or physical abuse.

Four parole decisions were released on Monday; two from 2008 where both day and full parole were denied.The board also released one from 2009 when he was allowed day parole, and a fourth from 2010 when full parole was granted.

"Overall you have relied on the use of prostitution and drug trafficking to support yourself; have been found in possession of loaded firearms and knives and sizeable quantities of illicit drugs suggesting entrenched involvement in the illicit drug business on a commercial scale."

Downey showed 'determination to leave that way of life behind'

Each time the board allowed Downey certain freedoms, a condition was imposed that he not associate with those involved in criminal activity; specifically prostitution and the drug trade.

Downey told board members that he has a Grade 11 education and four children, each of whom live with their mothers, who do not receive child support from him.

In2009Downey was released on day parole and he began livingin a half-way house.

"You are now showing a determination to leave that way of life behind you," wrote the board.

Though drugs and alcohol were not a problem, according to Downey, it was hisassociationswith other criminals that contributed to his re-offending.

CBC News has confirmed Downey is connected to the North Preston's Finest (NPF) gang. It also goes by the name Willis Crew. NPF members recruitgirls in the Maritimes, and forcethem into prostitution in cities across Canada, according to Ontario police.

Moderate risk for domestic violence

Police saythey currently believeBailliewas the target, but her cause of death isnot being released.

In 2010 when Downey was granted full parole, he was noted to be at a "moderate" risk for domestic violence but "low" risk for violence against others.

Though he was released, a "special condition" was imposed on Downey.

"Any return to associating with individuals involved in criminal activity which includes prostitution or those involved in the drug subculture would elevate the risk you would present to society."