M.L. Bridger

The accused was found not criminally responsible for assault, assault with a weapon, and mischief.

At his initial Ontario Review Board hearing, the hospital and the Attorney General sought a detention order, while the accused sought an absolute discharge.

The Board accepted psychiatric evidence that the accused suffers from untreated Schizophrenia, remains actively psychotic, and is non-compliant with treatment.

The Board concluded that the accused poses a significant threat to the safety of the public and ordered his detention at the hospital with conditions, including a weapons prohibition and a no-contact order.

The Ontario Review Board held an annual review hearing for an accused found not criminally responsible for uttering threats and failing to comply with conditions.

The accused, diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, had a history of medication non-compliance and aggressive behaviour when his clozapine levels dropped.

The Board found that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety, as he would likely become non-compliant with medication and decompensate without a Board disposition.

The Board ordered a continued detention disposition with privileges up to and including community living in approved accommodation, supporting a gradual transition to a group home.

The Ontario Review Board held an annual review hearing for an accused previously found not criminally responsible for assault and uttering threats.

The hospital and the accused submitted that he no longer posed a significant threat to public safety, noting his three years of sobriety, stable mental state, and strong community support.

The Crown ultimately agreed.

Applying the Winko test, the Board found that the accused no longer posed a significant threat to public safety and ordered an absolute discharge.

The Ontario Review Board held an annual review hearing for an accused found not criminally responsible for three counts of first-degree murder due to schizophrenia.

The hospital and the Crown recommended a continued detention order with reduced reporting requirements and the removal of substance testing conditions, to which the accused consented.

The Board found that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety due to his treatment-resistant illness and risk of rapid decompensation.

The Board ordered continued detention with the recommended changes to allow for gradual community reintegration.

The Ontario Review Board conducted an annual review of the accused's disposition.

The accused had previously been found not criminally responsible for arson and criminal harassment following a substance-induced psychotic episode.

The hospital, the accused, and the Crown all agreed that the accused no longer posed a significant threat to public safety.

The Board accepted the evidence that the accused was employed in the mental health field, abstinent from substances, and stable without medication.

The Board granted the accused an absolute discharge.

The accused, previously found not criminally responsible for first-degree murder, was readmitted to the hospital due to an increase in delusional symptoms, constituting a significant restriction of his liberty.

The Ontario Review Board convened a hearing under s. 672.81(2.1) of the Criminal Code to review the restriction.

Based on the evidence and a joint submission from the parties, the Board found that the readmission was reasonable, warranted, and the least restrictive course of action available to manage the increased risk posed by the accused's symptoms.

The Ontario Review Board conducted an annual review hearing for the accused, who was previously found not criminally responsible for firearms and obstruction offences.

The hospital, the Attorney General, and the accused jointly submitted that the accused no longer posed a significant threat to public safety.

The Board accepted the uncontested evidence that the accused was living a pro-social lifestyle, managing his bipolar disorder effectively, and abstaining from substances.

Finding no evidence of a significant threat, the Board granted an absolute discharge pursuant to s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code.

The Ontario Review Board conducted an annual review of the accused's disposition and a review of his restriction of liberties following his admission to the Forensic Assessment Unit.

The accused, who suffers from Huntington's Disease, Bipolar Disorder, and Alcohol Use Disorder, had been displaying erratic and threatening behaviour in his community residence.

The Board found that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of the public.

The Board ordered the continuation of the detention order with community living in a 24-hour supervised accommodation and confirmed that the restriction of his liberties was necessary and appropriate.

The accused, previously found not criminally responsible for causing a disturbance, appeared before the Ontario Review Board for an annual review hearing.

Although an absolute discharge had been anticipated, the accused recently suffered a manic episode requiring hospitalization.

The Board accepted the joint submission that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety.

Applying the factors under section 672.54 of the Criminal Code, the Board ordered that the accused remain subject to a conditional discharge.

The Ontario Review Board conducted an annual review hearing for the accused, who was previously found not criminally responsible for mischief and failing to comply with a release order.

The hospital and the Crown recommended a conditional discharge, noting the accused's significant improvement, medication compliance, and stable housing.

The Board found that the accused continues to represent a significant risk to the public but concluded that a conditional discharge with conditions to take prescribed medication and reside at a specified senior residence was the least onerous and least restrictive disposition.

The accused, previously found not criminally responsible and permitted to live in the community, was returned to detention in hospital after testing positive for prohibited substances.

The Ontario Review Board held a restriction of liberty hearing to review the hospital's decision.

The Board accepted the treating psychiatrist's evidence that the accused's substance use caused significant deterioration and increased risk.

The Board found that the return to hospital was warranted and was the least onerous and least restrictive decision available to manage the risk to public safety.

The accused was found not criminally responsible for charges including indecent act, mischief, and criminal harassment.

At his initial Ontario Review Board hearing, the Board found that he continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of the public due to his schizophrenia, recent substance use, and risk of destabilization.

Adopting the joint submission of the parties, the Board ordered a conditional discharge with conditions including abstaining from alcohol and drugs, and having no contact with the complainant.

The accused, subject to a detention order, was readmitted to the hospital after becoming aggressive in the community due to medication non-compliance.

The Ontario Review Board convened a hearing under s. 672.81(2.1) of the Criminal Code to review this restriction of liberty.

The Board found the readmission was warranted, reasonable, and the least restrictive option available, while reminding the hospital of its statutory duty to promptly notify the Board of such restrictions.

The accused was found not criminally responsible for criminal harassment and failing to comply with release orders.

At his initial Ontario Review Board hearing, the Board found that he continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of the public due to untreated schizophrenia, lack of insight, and ongoing substance use.

The Board ordered a detention order with community living in approved accommodation and strict conditions, including a prohibition on contacting the victim.

The Board rejected a joint submission to allow travel passes to the U.S., citing insufficient evidence regarding the purported employment and the risks associated with his untreated mental illness.