Dr. Lily Van

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

The accused, diagnosed with schizophrenia, had a stable year in the hospital and achieved indirectly supervised community passes.

The Board accepted the joint submission of the parties, finding that the accused remains a significant threat to public safety due to residual psychotic symptoms and the risk of decompensation under stress.

The Board ordered a continuation of the Detention Disposition with a community living clause to facilitate his transition to supportive housing.

Crown application for a "High Risk Accused" designation under s. 672.64(1) of the Criminal Code for an individual found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (schizophrenia) for serious violent offences including robbery, attempted break and enter, and two counts of aggravated assault.

The court dismissed the application, finding that while the offences were serious and brutal in nature, the Crown failed to establish a substantial likelihood that the accused would use violence endangering another's life or safety.

The accused has responded well to treatment, is currently symptom-free, and demonstrates insight into his condition, though uncertainty remains regarding his adherence to treatment if released into the community without supervision.

The Ontario Review Board held a mandatory annual review hearing for an accused found not criminally responsible for threatening death and causing a disturbance.

The accused, diagnosed with schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder, had shown significant progress over the past year, including medication compliance and abstinence from substances.

However, due to his limited insight into his illness and the recent nature of his stability, the Board accepted the joint position of the parties and the hospital's psychiatric evidence that he remains a significant threat to public safety.

The Board ordered a continued detention order with expanded privileges, including indirectly supervised passes in the Greater Toronto Area and the potential to reside in approved community accommodation.

The court sentenced Nathaniel Dillon for assault, sexual assault, and threatening, all committed against his then-girlfriend, ZK, on June 25, 2018.

The court found the complainant credible, with physical evidence corroborating her account.

The court considered Dillon’s significant mental health issues, including a history of psychosis and schizophrenia, as a mitigating factor, but not a major one.

The sentence imposed was three years’ imprisonment for sexual assault, with concurrent sentences for assault and threatening, and a recommendation for treatment in a specialized correctional facility.

The court also imposed ancillary orders, including probation, DNA, and weapons prohibitions.