Ontario Review Board
Re: Paul A. Taylor
ORB File No: 8667
Hearing held on: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Place of hearing: Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care 500 Church Street, Penetanguishene
Pursuant to: Sections 672.47(1) and 672.48(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. M.D. Segal Members: Dr. K. Hand Dr. G. Kerry Ms. M. Chamberlain Mr. J. Cyr
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Paul A. Taylor Counsel: Ms. K. Manitius
The person in charge of hospital: Counsel: Mr. J. Thomson
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. J. Armenise
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated June 3, 2025)
Introduction
Paul A. Taylor, age 42, was found unfit to stand trial on November 19, 2024, on charges of assault (x4), fail to comply with an undertaking (x2), and fail to comply with probation (x3). The Court declined to make a Disposition and referred the matter to the Ontario Review Board (the “Board”).
On April 3, 2025, Mr. Taylor appeared before the Board from the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care (“hospital”) for his initial appearance.
The Board had before it the following exhibits:
Hospital Report dated March 3, 2025 – Exhibit 1
Progress Report dated April 2, 2025 – Exhibit 2
Criminal Court File – Exhibit 3
Mr. Taylor’s parents were in attendance at the hearing.
In preliminary positions the hospital's position was that the patient continued to be unfit. Crown counsel agreed. Ms. Manitius, counsel for the patient, took no position.
Evidence at Hearing
Dr. Van Impe testified briefly. The patient attended. He was in arm and belt restraints. He presented as quite florid. Mr. Taylor kept interrupting the proceedings. Mr. Taylor wanted to go home and accused the doctor of lying.
The report, progress report, and brief history provided by Dr. Van Impe indicated that Mr. Taylor continue to be unfit. Mr. Taylor had little appreciation of his status. The patient was not at all close to being able to meaningfully instruct counsel or participate in a trial. The constant interruption and soliloquies on the part of Mr. Taylor at the hearing confirmed that opinion.
The index offences include unprovoked attacks on family members and someone working in a correctional centre.
Final submissions mirrored opening submissions. It was indicated that Mr. Taylor wanted to go home.
Analysis & Conclusion
Mr. Taylor has a lengthy history of mental health challenges with many hospital admissions. He has been diagnosed in past with Unspecified Schizophrenic Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Cannabis Use Disorder moderate.
Mr. Taylor continues to be quite unwell. There have been incidents in hospital. His appearance before the Board confirmed the severity of his condition. He is clearly unable to instruct counsel or participate in a trial. He continues to be unfit. The Board agrees with the Disposition suggested by the hospital in its report.
DATED this 3rd day of June 2025, at the City of Toronto, in the Region of Toronto.
Mr. M.D. Segal Alternate Chairperson
Office of the Registrar Ontario Review Board