Hon. C. Nelson

The Ontario Review Board held an annual review and restriction of liberty hearing for an accused found not criminally responsible for assault with a weapon and forcible confinement.

The accused, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, had been readmitted to the hospital twice due to rapid mental deterioration and cannabis use.

The Board found that the accused remains a significant threat to public safety and ordered the continuation of the detention order with amendments to accommodation requirements.

The Board also found that the hospital readmissions were significant restrictions of liberty but were necessary, appropriate, and the least onerous measures available.

The Ontario Review Board held an annual hearing to review the disposition of the accused, who was previously found not criminally responsible for criminal harassment and other offences.

The accused, diagnosed with schizophrenia, had been subject to a detention order at CAMH.

The Board accepted the expert psychiatric evidence that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety due to her history of treatment non-compliance and risk of decompensation.

However, noting her recent stability, medication compliance, and successful community passes, the Board concluded that a detention order was no longer necessary and ordered a conditional discharge.

The Ontario Review Board conducted an annual review for an accused previously found not criminally responsible for assault offences.

The accused, diagnosed with schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder, had a successful year living in a highly supervised community residence and sought a conditional discharge.

The hospital and Crown sought a continuation of the detention order, citing the accused's fragile mental state and risk of rapid decompensation if he missed medication or used substances.

The Board found the accused continues to represent a significant threat to public safety and ordered the continuation of the detention order, while reducing his reporting requirements to recognize his progress.