Dr. D. Pallandi

The Ontario Review Board conducted an annual review of the disposition for an accused found not criminally responsible for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The accused had been living in the community, maintaining employment, and complying with treatment without signs of decompensation.

Relying on uncontroverted expert psychiatric evidence, the Board found that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety due to partial insight and risk of relapse.

The Board ordered a Conditional Discharge with terms including reporting and residence requirements.

The accused, previously found not criminally responsible for various weapons offences, was conditionally discharged but subsequently readmitted to the hospital on two occasions due to substance use and psychiatric decompensation.

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

Accepting the joint submission of the parties and the unchallenged medical evidence, the Board found that both readmissions were necessary and appropriate to manage the accused's risk to public safety.

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

The accused had made significant progress over the past five years, remaining stable, medication-compliant, and substance-free while living in the community.

Relying on uncontroverted expert psychiatric evidence, the Board found that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety due to his history of violence and mental illness.

However, considering his progress, the Board ordered a conditional discharge as the least onerous and restrictive disposition.

The Ontario Review Board held an annual review hearing for an accused found not criminally responsible for assault with a weapon.

The accused, diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggling with recent cocaine use and housing instability, sought a continuation of her Conditional Discharge.

The hospital and the Attorney General supported this position.

The Board found that while the accused continues to represent a significant threat to public safety, her risk is primarily to herself and can be adequately managed in the community.

The Board ordered the continuation of the Conditional Discharge as the least onerous and least restrictive disposition.

The Ontario Review Board conducted an annual review for an accused found not criminally responsible for manslaughter.

The Board found that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety due to his schizophrenia and schizoid personality disorder.

However, noting his significant progress, medication compliance, and successful transition to a supervised group home, the Board accepted a joint submission for a Conditional Discharge.

The disposition includes conditions that he reside in a private room in supervised supportive housing associated with Durham Mental Health Services.

The Ontario Review Board conducted a mandatory review of the accused's conditional discharge disposition.

The accused, previously found not criminally responsible for dangerous operation causing death, requested the removal of a substance prohibition clause from his disposition.

The Board accepted the hospital's psychiatric evidence that the accused's complex neurological and psychiatric diagnoses made him highly vulnerable to destabilization from substance use.

The Board found that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety and ordered the continuation of the conditional discharge with the substance prohibition clause intact.

The Ontario Review Board held an annual hearing for an accused found not criminally responsible for sexual assault.

The accused, diagnosed with schizophrenia and pedophilic disorder, had recently transitioned to a new supportive home where he was doing well and complying with his medication regimen.

However, relying on psychiatric evidence that the accused lacked insight into his illness and would pose a significant risk of violence or severe psychological harm if he abandoned treatment, the Board concluded he remained a significant threat to public safety.

The conditional discharge disposition was continued.

The hospital requested an early Review Board hearing and a Detention Order for an accused previously found not criminally responsible for assault.

The accused had been on a Conditional Discharge but stopped taking his medication, decompensated, and eloped to Quebec where he was found homeless.

Upon return to the hospital, he was highly oppositional and required a Code White for medication administration.

The Board found that the Conditional Discharge was no longer effective and that a Detention Order was the least restrictive disposition necessary to manage the risk to public safety and ensure stabilization.

The accused, previously found not criminally responsible for aggravated assault, was subject to an Ontario Review Board disposition allowing her to live in the community.

The hospital readmitted her after she consistently tested positive for illicit substances and breached her disposition conditions.

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

The Board found that the initial and ongoing restriction of the accused's liberty was warranted and represented the least restrictive and least onerous intervention necessary to manage her risk and address her substance use.

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

The accused, who was found not criminally responsible for assault and assaulting a peace officer, sought an absolute discharge.

The hospital and the Attorney General argued that the accused remained a significant threat to public safety due to his schizoaffective disorder, lack of insight, and stated intention to reduce his antipsychotic medication.

The Board accepted the psychiatric evidence that the accused's risk of violence would increase if he reduced or stopped his medication.

The Board concluded that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of the public and ordered the continuation of the existing conditional discharge.

The Ontario Review Board held a hearing to review the disposition of the accused, who was previously found not criminally responsible for various violent offences.

The accused, diagnosed with schizophrenia and substance use disorders, had recently transitioned to high-support community housing and remained abstinent from substances.

However, psychiatric evidence indicated he continued to experience residual symptoms and expressed a desire to resume substance use, demonstrating poor insight into his risk factors.

The Board found that the accused remained a significant threat to public safety and ordered a continued Detention Disposition at the hospital to ensure adequate monitoring and support.

The Ontario Review Board conducted an annual review and a restriction of liberty hearing for an accused found not criminally responsible for assault and robbery.

The accused, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and substance use disorders, had his liberty restricted after relapsing on crack cocaine and exhibiting erratic behaviour in the community.

The Board found that the accused continues to represent a significant threat to the safety of the public, particularly when using substances.

The Board ordered a continued Detention Disposition at the hospital and found the restriction of liberty was necessary and appropriate.