N. St-Pierre

The accused was charged with uttering threats to cause death to the Prime Minister during an altercation at a bar.

The Crown's case relied heavily on the testimony of a single witness, whom the court found to be defensive, argumentative, and prone to exaggeration.

Applying the W.(D.) framework and the McRae test for uttering threats, the court found reasonable doubt regarding both the actus reus (whether the words were actually spoken and would be perceived as a threat by a reasonable person) and the mens rea (whether the accused intended the words to be taken seriously).

The accused was acquitted.

The accused, previously found not criminally responsible for theft and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, appeared for an annual review hearing before the Ontario Review Board.

The Board accepted expert evidence that the accused continues to pose a significant threat to public safety due to a risk of property and driving offences linked to substance-induced psychosis.

However, noting the accused's progress, abstinence from substances, and stability in a structured community environment, the Board concluded that a conditional discharge was the necessary and appropriate disposition to manage his risk while meeting his needs.