Paul Douglas Callow is a Canadian serial rapist who was convicted of having raped several women in the Toronto area in the mid-1980s. Before his identity became known, he was called the Balcony Rapist.

Jane Doe v. Board of Commissioners

Jane Doe, the pseudonym of his fifth victim, successfully sued the Toronto police for not having warned women in her neighbourhood about the four earlier rapes. The police took the position that if they had publicized the fact that a serial rapist was attacking women in the area, he would have committed his crimes in a different location, making his apprehension difficult. In a case filed as Jane Doe v. Board of Commissioners of Police for the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, she won her case and on July 3, 1998, was awarded damages of $220,000 plus interest by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

The Toronto police had threatened to charge Jane Doe with mischief, because she put up posters in her neighbourhood warning about the Balcony Rapist.

Prison and later life

Callow served the full length of his 20-year sentence in prison.

While in prison, Callow was accused by a prison employee of sexual assault. After this accusation, Callow refused to participate in any treatment programs.

On February 23, 2007, Callow, then 52 years old, was released from jail in British Columbia. He initially settled in Newton Town Centre in Surrey, British Columbia. Police did not release Callow's precise address. Following a protest in Surrey, Callow moved to New Westminster, British Columbia. On March 3, 2007 New Westminster had a rally of protest.

It was reported on March 7, 2007, that Callow lived in an emergency shelter in New Westminster, and the only help he receives is a 20-minute daily meeting with a third-year social-work student. Callow was reported as saying he is "worried about vigilantism".

When he was sentenced, Callow was not designated a dangerous offender. Concern about his release has led to a proposal by some elected officials from New Westminster for legislative change allowing convicts to be designated dangerous offenders after they have been sentenced, if they exhibit violent behaviour while in jail.

Notes

1. 'Balcony Rapist' set to be released
2. http://www.sgmlaw.com/Page251.aspx
3. CTV Toronto - Balcony Rapist's Jane Doe refuses to be victimized - CTV News, Shows and Sports - Canadian Television
4. 'Balcony Rapist' moves to New Westminster