Ontario Review Board
Re: Hessom Hojjatian
ORB File No: 6196
Hearing held on: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Place of hearing: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. J. Weinstein Members: Dr. L.E. Cappe Dr. L.O. Lightfoot Ms. M. den Haan Mr. A. Mete
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Hessom Hojjatian Counsel: Mr. P. De Groot
The person in charge of hospital: Counsel: Mr. K. Dow
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Mr. D. Brandes
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated August 25, 2025)
Introduction
On September 11, 2012, Hessom Hojjatian was found not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder on three charges of failing to comply with a probation order contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada (“Criminal Code”).
Mr. Hojjatian is currently subject to a Disposition of the Ontario Review Board dated August 22, 2024, detaining him at the General Forensic Unit of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto (“CAMH” or “the hospital”) with a number of privileges and prohibitions, including the privilege of living in the community in accommodation approved by the person in charge.
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Ontario Review Board convened a hearing at CAMH and conducted the annual review of Mr. Hojjatian’s Disposition pursuant to section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code. Mr. attended his hearing and was represented by his counsel, Mr. P. De Groot. A Hospital Report dated June 11, 2025 (the “Hospital Report”), was entered as Exhibit No. 1.
The issue at this hearing is whether Mr. Hojjatian represents a significant threat to public safety, as defined in s. 672.5401 of the Criminal Code. If so, the necessary, and appropriate, Disposition in the circumstances must be determined, bearing in mind the factors enunciated in s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code.
Positions of the Parties
On behalf of the hospital, Mr. Dow submitted that a continuation of the existing Detention Order Disposition was the necessary and appropriate Disposition with a change to reporting not less than once a week and changes to the geographic area to include the GTA.
Counsel for the Attorney