Killer Karla eligible for July 5 pardon - May beat federal pardon ban for violent criminals

TORONTO - News that Karla Homolka plans to apply for a pardon is sure to push the controversial system and a bill to curtail it to centre stage today.

CTV News says Homolka is eligible to apply for a pardon as early as July 5th and intends to apply for one.

Homolka received a 12-year manslaughter sentence in a plea-bargain for taking part in the rape-murders of Burlington teen Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French from St. Catharines.

Legislation that would deny pardons to some of the most violent offenders, including murderers and some sex offenders, is now before the House of Commons — which is planning to recess this week.