Dr. R. Sheppard

The accused, who was previously found unfit to stand trial on charges including communicating with a person for the purpose of counselling suicide and making explicit material available to a child, appeared before the Ontario Review Board for an annual hearing.

The accused suffers from moderate intellectual disability and fetal alcohol syndrome disorder.

The Board accepted psychiatric evidence that the accused remains permanently unfit to stand trial but no longer poses a significant threat to the safety of the public, given the absence of any concerning behaviour since 2022 and the close supervision provided by his family.

The Board ordered that the matter be returned to court to determine whether a permanent stay of proceedings is warranted.

Floyd Paypompee, previously found not criminally responsible for uttering threats, appeared before the Ontario Review Board for his annual hearing.

The Hospital and Crown recommended maintaining his current Detention Order, while the accused sought a Conditional Discharge.

The Board heard evidence from his treating psychiatrist regarding his continued cannabis use, non-compliance with residence rules, and the resulting risk to his housing.

The Board concluded that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to the public and that maintaining the current disposition best balances public protection and the accused's needs.

The accused was found unfit to stand trial on charges of sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and sexual assault.

The Ontario Review Board held an initial disposition hearing.

Based on the evidence, including the hospital report and testimony from the hospital representative, the Board found that the accused remains unfit to stand trial due to an intellectual disability.

The Board accepted the joint recommendation of the parties and granted a conditional discharge, concluding that the accused's threat to public safety could be managed in the community with appropriate conditions, including a residence clause and no-contact provisions.

The Ontario Review Board conducted an annual review for an 86-year-old accused charged with manslaughter who suffers from progressive dementia.

The Board found the accused permanently unfit to stand trial, as she was unable to understand the proceedings or communicate with counsel.

Relying on expert evidence that her mobility had decreased and she had exhibited no aggressive behaviour for over a year, the Board concluded she no longer posed a significant threat to public safety.

The Board recommended the matter be returned to court to determine whether a stay of proceedings should be ordered.

The Ontario Review Board conducted an initial disposition hearing for an accused found unfit to stand trial on charges including sexual assault, theft, and break and enter.

Based on the hospital reports and the testimony of the hospital's representative, the Board concluded that the accused remains unfit to stand trial.

The Board ordered that the accused be subject to a Detention Order at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, with privileges up to community living in approved accommodation and a no-contact provision regarding the complainants.

The Ontario Review Board held a mandatory review hearing for an accused previously found not criminally responsible for attempted murder and possession of stolen property.

The accused, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, sought an absolute discharge but refused to attend the hearing or participate in a court-ordered violence risk assessment.

Relying on expert psychiatric and psychological evidence, the Board found that the accused remains a significant threat to public safety due to a lack of insight, risk of medication non-compliance, and potential for substance abuse if unsupervised.

The Board ordered the continuation of the conditional discharge as the least onerous and least restrictive disposition.

The Ontario Review Board held an annual review hearing for an accused previously found not criminally responsible for assault and carrying a concealed weapon.

The accused, diagnosed with schizophrenia, had been living in the community under a Conditional Discharge.

Based on joint submissions and psychiatric evidence, the Board found the accused continued to pose a significant threat to public safety due to her severe mental illness and need for supervised medication compliance.

The Board ordered the continuation of the Conditional Discharge with an amendment allowing her to move to a new high-support housing facility.

The Ontario Review Board held an annual review hearing for an 86-year-old accused who was previously found unfit to stand trial on a charge of manslaughter.

The accused suffers from progressive dementia and resides in a behavioural support unit at a long-term care facility.

Based on the hospital report and the testimony of her treating psychiatrist, the Board found that the accused remains globally unfit to stand trial and continues to pose a significant threat to public safety due to her history of aggressivity.

The Board ordered the continuation of her conditional discharge, finding it to be the least onerous and least restrictive disposition that manages the risk while meeting her mental health and cultural needs.