Ontario Review Board
Re: Robert Watts
ORB File No: 7793
Hearing held on: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Place of Hearing: Providence Care Hospital, Kingston
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. G. Beasley
Members: Dr. S. Lessard
Dr. W. Loza
Ms. K. Weisbaum
Mr. R. Rainboth
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Robert Watts
Counsel: Mr. M. Rodé
Person in charge of hospital: Counsel: Ms. T. Tom
Attorney-General of Ontario: Counsel: Mr. A. Scott
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated June 19, 2025)
Introduction:
On October 13, 2020, the accused, Robert Watts, was found not criminally responsible (NCR), on account of mental disorder on a charge of manslaughter, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. Mr. Watts had been on trial before a Superior Court Justice and Jury on a charge of second-degree murder. The jury found Mr. Watts not guilty on the charge of second-degree murder, but guilty on the lesser and included offence of manslaughter. Following the Jury’s verdict, defence counsel brought an application on behalf of Mr. Watts that he should be found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder. This application was supported by Crown Counsel. At the same time, Crown Counsel brought an application that if Mr. Watts was found not criminally responsible, that he be designated a “High-Risk Accused” (HRA) pursuant to s. 672.64(1) of the Criminal Code. This application by the Crown proceeded on consent of defence counsel.
On October 13th, 2020, Justice Tranmer of the Superior Court of Justice made a finding