Dr. H. Meng

The accused was found not criminally responsible for arson and appeared before the Ontario Review Board for an initial disposition.

The Board accepted uncontroverted psychiatric evidence that the accused, who has schizophrenia and a substance use disorder, poses a significant threat to public safety due to a history of medication non-compliance and substance use.

The Board ordered a detention order at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health with community living privileges, finding it the least onerous and least restrictive disposition necessary to manage his risk and ensure rapid readmission if his mental state deteriorates.

The Ontario Review Board held an annual review hearing for the accused, who was found not criminally responsible for criminal harassment and failing to comply with orders in 2005.

The hospital and all parties jointly submitted that he no longer poses a significant threat to public safety.

The Board accepted the evidence that he has been stable in supportive housing since 2021 and his risk can now be managed by the civil mental health system.

The Board granted him an absolute discharge.