Re: Crystal Lyon
ORB File No: 5464
Hearing held on: June 23, 2025
Place of hearing: Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. J. Goldenberg Members: Dr. P. Prendergast Dr. S. Wiseman Hon. E. Kruzick Mr. S. Duffy
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Crystal Lyon Counsel: Mr. U. Agostino
The Person in charge of Hospital: Representative: Ms. M. Davidson
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. P. Pasloski
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated August 20, 2025)
Introduction
Crystal Lyon was found not criminally responsible (“NCR”) on September 28, 2009, by reason of mental disorder on charges of assault and carrying a concealed weapon, both contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada (“Criminal Code”). She is currently subject to a Conditional Discharge Disposition dated June 18, 2024, with conditions up to and including to live in the community in the catchment area of the TBRHSC in accommodation approved by the person in charge. As a result, Ms. Lyon is currently under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Review Board (“ORB” or “Board”).
On June 23, 2025, the Board convened an in-person hearing to review Ms. Lyon’s Disposition. Ms. Lyon was present represented by her counsel, Mr. U. Agostino.
Issues to be Determined
- The issues to be determined at this hearing are whether Ms. Lyon continues to represent a significant threat to the safety of the public and, if so, what is the necessary and appropriate Disposition.
Position of the Parties:
At the outset of the hearing, the parties were canvassed as to their initial positions. Ms. Davidson, on behalf of the hospital, indicated that it is the hospital’s position that Ms. Lyon continues to represent a significant threat and qualified that the necessary and appropriate disposition is on the same conditions as set out in last year’s disposition with the deletion of paragraph 1(a).
On behalf of the Attorney General, Ms. Pasloski agreed with the Hospital.
Mr. Agostino, on behalf of Ms. Lyon, also concurred. As a result, this was a joint submission.
Findings:
- For the Reasons that follow, the panel found that the threshold for significant threat is met, and that the necessary and appropriated disposition is a continuation of the current Conditional Discharge Disposition with terms and conditions including the proposed amendment as agreed to by counsel.
Index Offences
- The allegations giving rise to the index offences are set out in last year’s Reasons as follows:
“The accused, Crystal Lyon, 25/10/82, on the 26Mar09, 1720 hours at 9 Elm Street, Greater Sudbury did commit the offences of assault contrary to section 266 CCC and carry concealed weapon contrary to section 90 CCC.
Sudbury Transit security officers Randy Sloan and Louse Lajeunesse had been approached by an unknown female party at the Sudbury Transit Depot at 9 Elm Street who advised that a native female had approached her stating that she wanted to “cut her daughter's head off”. The female complainant pointed out the suspect party in the parking lot of 9 Elm Street. At this point security officers approached the female who unprovoked, proceeded to strike security officer Lejeunesse in the face with a closed fist. At this point both security officers attempted to place the female party under arrest and a physical altercation began. While attempting to handcuff the native female, security officer Lajeunesse was kicked twice in the face by the accused, Ms. Lajeunesse did not require medical attention for her injuries, which consisted of soreness to her face area and a bloody lip.
Once handcuffed a search incident to arrest by security officer Sloan revealed two large kitchen knives, one with a black, plastic handle and 19 cm blade, and the second with a black plastic handle and 15 cm blade, concealed in the right pocket of the accused sweater.
The accused party identified verbally as Crystal Lyon, 250ct82, was placed under arrest by Cst. Zazelenchuk, given her rights to counsel and cautioned which she acknowledged understanding. She was transported to Greater Sudbury Police headquarters.
The accused was again provided with an opportunity to speak with counsel as per her legal rights however she declined and the accused was subsequently lodged pending a bail hearing on the 27Mar09.”
Background Information
- Last year’s Reasons set out a through summary of Ms. Lyon’s personal history as follows:
“Ms. Lyon was born in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. She is the third in a sibline of four. She has two brothers and a younger sister. Ms. Lyon was raised primarily by her father as her mother was alleged to have been developmentally delayed. Her brother and sister also suffer from cognitive deficits. Home life was very chaotic and abusive. Ms. Lyon was made a Crown Ward at the age of 14. Child protection ended in 2000 when she turned 18.
The clinical information indicates that during her childhood Ms. Lyon's parents struggled with alcohol dependency and as