Dr. Esther Carefoot

The Ontario Review Board conducted an annual review of the disposition for an accused found not criminally responsible for assault.

The accused, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, had been residing in a supervised group home and demonstrating relative stability.

Based on psychiatric evidence and joint submissions, the Board concluded the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety.

The Board ordered a conditional discharge requiring the accused to reside at the group home, with a provision authorizing police to arrest and return her to the hospital in the event of a breach.

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

The accused, who suffers from treatment-resistant schizophrenia, had recently been readmitted to the hospital from a supervised residence after purchasing weapons due to paranoia.

Relying on uncontroverted expert psychiatric evidence, the Board concluded that the accused continues to represent a significant threat to public safety.

The Board ordered the continuation of the Detention Order, specifying that the risk can only be managed by 24-hour supervised accommodation, and expanded the catchment area to Eastern Ontario to facilitate suitable housing placement.

The accused, previously found not criminally responsible for assault and criminal harassment, appeared before the Ontario Review Board for an annual hearing.

The hospital and Crown submitted that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety, which the Board accepted.

The hospital requested a transfer to the Royal Ottawa Hospital to allow the accused to be closer to her oncologist for breast cancer treatment.

The Board approved the transfer, maintaining the current disposition conditions.

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

The accused had previously been found not criminally responsible for uttering threats.

The Board found that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of the public due to his history of violent behaviour, substance use, and complex mental health diagnoses.

The Board ordered that the current disposition, a detention order with privileges up to and including living in the community in approved accommodation, be maintained as the least onerous and least restrictive disposition necessary to manage his risk.

The Ontario Review Board conducted an annual review of the accused's disposition pursuant to s. 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code.

The accused had been found not criminally responsible for arson.

The Board found that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety due to his schizophrenia, substance use history, and partial insight into his illness.

The Board concluded that a conditional discharge was not appropriate, as the civil commitment mechanisms under the Mental Health Act would be insufficient to protect public safety in the event of rapid decompensation.

The Board ordered the continuation of a detention disposition, while granting additional indirectly supervised privileges to facilitate community reintegration.