Re: George Papadopoulos
ORB File No: 8111
Hearing held on: July 21, 2025
Place of hearing: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton West 5th Campus, 100 West 5th Street
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Ms. T. Mann
Members: Dr. A. Park Dr. G. Kerry Mr. D. D’Intino Ms. C. Plyley
Parties Appearing:
Accused: George Papadopoulos Counsel: Mr. R. Browne
The person in charge of hospital: Counsel: Mr. S. O’Brien
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Mr. B. Adsett
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated September 2, 2025)
Introduction
On July 14, 2022, George Papadopoulos was found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (“NCR”) on charges of criminal harassment, personation of a peace officer, failure to comply with an undertaking, and failure to attend court, all contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada (“Criminal Code”).
He is currently subject to a Detention Order from the Disposition of August 8, 2024, which provides various terms and conditions, up to and including permission to live in the community in accommodation approved by the person in charge.
On July 21, 2025, a panel of the Ontario Review Board (ORB) convened in person and a hearing was held at St. Joseph Healthcare Hamilton. The purpose of the hearing was to determine if Mr. Papadopoulos represents a significant threat to the safety of the public as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada, and if so, the necessary and appropriate disposition.
Mr. Papadopoulos attended the hearing, but through his counsel asked for permission to remain outside of the hearing room and be represented at the hearing by his counsel, Mr. Browne. It appears that Mr. Papadopoulos harbours delusional beliefs, such as that the Board is controlled by computers underground in Germany. Dr. Shariati described these beliefs as being “loosely held”. He had no concern about Mr. Papadopoulos acting on any of them.
These delusional beliefs apparently cause Mr. Papadopoulos some discomfort around being in the hearing room during his ORB hearing and therefore counsel asked him to be excused so he could simply wait outside the hearing room. All parties agreed with that request.
For the reasons set out below, the Board unanimously finds that Mr. Papadopoulos continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of the public and that the necessary and appropriate disposition to manage that risk while meeting his needs is a continuation of the existing Detention Order Disposition, with no changes to its terms and conditions.
Current Psychiatric Diagnoses:
- Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder (in remission).
Index Offences:
- The facts giving rise to the index offences are described in last year’s Reasons for Disposition as follows:
"Criminal Harassment and Personating Peace Officer:
On March 09, 2021 George PAPADOPOULOS attended the No Frills store located at 435 Main St E in Hamilton. PAPADOPOULOS took notice of a cashier that he found attractive [MS]. PAPADOPOULOS felt a strong energy from [MS] indicating to him they are half siblings. At the time of payment he passed the cashier a note containing his phone number, name, and a vague comment hinting at a future intimate encounter. He then departed the store and returned to his room at the Good Shepard. PAPADOPOULOS explained to Police that he has the ability to communicate telepathically with people, and did so with [MS], arranging to meet up and go on a date this evening. He explains that [MS], through telepathy, told him to come to No Frills at 2030hrs to pick her up from work so they can go on their date. PAPADOPOULOS explained that the reason he was so drawn to [MS] was because they are half-siblings, and reproducing with her would serve to preserve his “Spartan bloodline”.
At approximately 9:00pm PAPADOPOULOS returned to No Frills. He stood outside the window which faces the [MS]’s working space where he began to watch and stare at [MS], making multiple attempts to make eye contact and smile at her. In his words he made “38” attempts to get her attention/eye contact.
At approximately 8:00pm [MS] became aware of PAPADOPOULOS outside of the window. He was staring at her, watching her movements, making multiple attempts to acquire eye contact and when he did he would smile, wave, or gesture for her to come outside. He continued to do so until [MS] departed work shortly after 9:00pm. [MS] was very concerned by his behaviour. It caused her to feel uncomfortable, scared, and as though she would have a panic attack. [MS] told Police she felt “targeted, like he was planning to do something”.
At approximately 9:15pm [MS] departed No Frills by quickly exiting and getting into her mother’s van who was waiting to pick her up.
At approximately 8:30pm [AC] (loss prevention) went outside the store to speak to PAPADOPOULOS. [AC] asked him if he needed help. PAPADOPOULOS stated that he was just there to visit family. The Manager of No Frills and [RV] (loss prevention) spoke with PAPADOPOULOS and told him to leave or they would call Police. During this exchange PAPADOPOULOS told them that he was Police, presented them with a CIA badge, and said he was waiting for his half-sister. (referring to [MS])
After this exchange loss prevention employees [RV] and [AC] decided to follow PAPADOPOULOS as he departed the No Frills. They followed him in their vehicle as he walked on to Emerald St S. They spoke with him and identified themselves as loss prevention. At this time PAPADOPOULOS identified himself as CIA. [AC] saw Police cruisers ahead on Emerald St S and told PAPADOPOULOS that if she showed Police his badge and they cleared him then they would believe him. PAPADOPOULOS then identified himself to Police as a CIA Agent and was arrested at 9:32pm.
PAPADOPOULOS was transported to Central Custody. When searched he was in possession of condoms, nearly 1000 dollars cash, and phone numbers for escort services. Notably in his possession was a hand written note containing the following information: Address 2411 Barton St E (Fishing World sporting goods store), “Beretta PX4 storm Sub-Compact 9mm”, as well as what appears to be a price noted of $785.00. In discussion with Officers PAPADOPOULOS stated that he possesses an American gun licence and is “looking into” getting his PAL.
Police attended [MS]’s address to obtain a written statement. At points throughout her statement she became visibly upset, as well as highlighted her concern for her own safety, as well as that of her female coworkers. [MS] stated that the incident made her feel reluctant to go to her next scheduled shift.
PAPADOPOULOS is currently on a release order and is awaiting disposition with Peel Regional Police for the following charges: Unlawfully in a Dwelling, Proceeds of Crime, Mischief Under 5000
The following is taken from the Hamilton Police Service, Crown Brief Synopsis, Occurrence Number: C21001579: 21558144, offence date April 30, 2021 for the charge of Failure to Comply Undertaking:
George PAPADOPOULOS is the subject of a release order dated March 18th, 2021 with the condition to: report to the John Howard Society by phone (905 979 6880) on Friday, March 19th at 9:30 a.m. and thereafter as directed. Be under the direction and supervision of the program and be amenable to its rules and regulations.
On Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 at approximately 9:40am Bail Compliance Unit (BCU) reviewed the emailed notes of the John Howard Society. PAPADOPOULOS did not report on March 19th, 2021. John Howard employee, [HT] spoke to PAPADOPOULOS on April 28th and PAPADOPOULOS agreed to report on April 30th between 9 am and 3 pm. On April 30th PAPADOPOULOS failed to report.
At approximately 11:20am police attended the Good Shepherd men’s shelter located at 378 Main Street East and located PAPADOPOULOS in the cafeteria area.
At approximately 11:28am, PAPADOPOULOS was arrested for fail to comply release order. PAPADOPOULOS requested to speak to duty council.
PAPADOPOULOS was transported to police custody and PAPADOPOULOS spoke to duty council.
The following is taken from the Hamilton Police Service, Supplementary Occurrence Report, Occurrence Number: 21614444, offence date January 21, 2022 for the charge of Failure to Attend Court:
On 2022/01/21 [members of ACTION team 5 learned that George PAPADOPOULOS was wanted for failing to attend court.
ACTION Team 5 attended Mission Services at 325 James St. N. in the City of Hamilton on that day where George PAPADOPOULOS was found to be.
George was arrested for Failing to attend court. He was advised of his Rights to Counsel and Caution at that time”.
Without Prejudice Position of the Parties:
At the commencement of the hearing, the parties were canvassed for their initial positions.
Counsel for the Hospital took the position that the necessary and appropriate disposition was continuation of the existing Detention Order with no changes to the conditions.
Counsel for the Attorney General supported the Hospital’s position.
Counsel for the accused joined the other parties in their positions, and thus the Panel had a joint recommendation submitted for its consideration which was maintained at the conclusion of the hearing.
Evidence at the Hearing:
The Board had available to it the evidence and documents forming the Record, the Exhibits, and oral evidence from Dr. K. Shariati, who has been Mr. Papadopoulos’ attending psychiatrist since September of 2022.
Dr. Shariati testified that since Mr. Papadopoulos’ failed discharge in 2023, his trajectory has been rather positive and this has continued throughout the past reporting year. Mr. Papadopoulos’ depression has been treated and while he still experiences grandiose delusional beliefs, they do not cause any behavioural disturbances. At present, Mr. Papodopoulos is halfway through a planned two month transition plan for him to get him back into the community.
Dr. Shariati explained that Mr. Papodopoulos’ lack of (or limited) insight into his mental disorder, the index offences and his need for treatment, as well as his lack of engagement in rehabilitative programming remain areas of concern. Mr. Papodopoulos also lacks community supports or supports outside of the forensic system, and so his professional forensic supports remain crucial to his current positive trajectory.
Dr. Shariati testified that without the forensic supports that Mr. Papadopoulos currently enjoys, he would likely fall away from treatment and discontinue his medication. Upon discontinuation, his oral medications would leave his system in days and in the following weeks, his psychotic symptoms would worsen and lead to inappropriate behaviour toward women in particular.
Dr. Shariati opined that the provisions of the Mental Health Act would be insufficient to attenuate the risk posed to the public by Mr. Papadopoulos, and furthermore that it would be insufficient to quickly readmit him to the Hospital in the event of mental status decompensation. This is because most of Mr. Papadopoulos’ psychotic symptoms are negative in nature – such as a lack of motivation or social withdrawal – and therefore would not easily be picked up on by a physician that was unfamiliar with him.
Furthermore, if Mr. Papadopoulos was not attending his medical appointments and taking his medications, he could not be admitted under a Form 1 of the MHA.
In the coming year, Dr. Shariati testified that the treatment team would like to see Mr. Papadopoulos establish stability in the community and abstain from inappropriate behaviors and substance use. Once such stability is demonstrated, the treatment team would look toward putting an ACTT team in place or getting Mr. Papadopoulos involved in the schizophrenia outpatient program.
In response to questions from counsel for the Attorney General, Dr. Shariati confirmed that Mr. Papadopoulos does not have much engagement in substance abuse counselling. While the Hospital report makes mention of opioid use in the past, Dr. Shariati confirmed that such substances have not been a concern in the past year, and rather that alcohol use in 2023 was the more recent concern.
In response to questions from Mr. Browne, Dr. Shariati confirmed that some thought was given to switching Mr. Papadopoulos from oral medications to long-acting injectables, however, the last time Mr. Papadopoulos was on such an injection he experienced problematic side effects.
In response to questions from the Panel, Dr. Shariati confirmed that while there have been more recent incidents of inappropriate comments toward female staff, it did not rise to the level where that staff member would feel uncomfortable continuing to work with Mr. Papadopoulos and so was not as serious as the behaviour that occurred during the index offences.
Dr. Shariati further opined that Mr. Papadopoulos’ suicide attempt in 2023 was a result of a lack of coping skills and being depressed at the time, and not a cry for help. Since then, he has responded very well to the introduction of Sertraline and now “looks like a different person” and is “more spontaneous” now and has hopes and dreams for the future.
Concerning his absence from the hearing room, Dr. Shariati explained that Mr. Papadopoulos maintains to some degree delusions about the Board being controlled by computers underground in Germany. However, these beliefs are not firmly held and when asked to discuss them, Mr. Papadopoulos seems to have some insight that these beliefs are not grounded in reality. Dr. Shariati testified that he has no concern that Mr. Papadopoulos would ever act on these beliefs.
Dr. Shariati further testified that the reason why Mr. Papadopoulos was not engaging in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P) and other therapeutic programming was because Mr. Papadopoulos does not accept he has a psychotic disorder.
Analysis and Conclusions
Having heard and considered the entirety of the evidence as well as the submissions from the parties, the Board finds that Mr. Papadopoulos remains a significant threat to the safety of the public and therefore a continuation of the existing Detention Order Disposition is both necessary and appropriate.
A significant threat to the safety of the public cannot be speculative. It must entail a real risk of serious physical or psychological harm arising from conduct that is both serious and criminal in nature.
In determining whether George Papadopoulos continues to represent a significant threat to the safety of the public the Board has carefully analyzed the evidence as it relates to the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Winko, 1999 CanLII 694 (SCC), [1999] 2 S.C.R. 625.
Mr. Papadopoulos suffers from a psychotic disorder which while well treated by his current medication regime, still causes him to experience delusional thinking and to suffer from negative symptoms of his illness.
Mr. Papadopoulos’ insight into his mental illness and need for treatment was described as being “absent or very limited”. This is particularly concerning given his limited engagement in CBT-P and substance abuse counselling which are recommended to him for the very purpose of helping him develop insight into these domains.
His lack of insight and limited engagement in therapeutic programming are relevant contributing factors to the presence of significant threat to the safety of the public. This is supported by the Hospital submission that absent the structure and support provided by the forensic mental health system, Mr. Papadopoulos would likely discontinue his medication and experience a reemergence of more florid psychotic symptoms. In keeping with this, Dr. Shariati testified that Mr. Papadopoulos is entirely externally motivated to take his medication.
Those psychotic symptoms were significant contributing factors not only to the index offences, but more recent inappropriate behaviour and commentary toward females.
Based on the totality of the evidence before it, notwithstanding the joint recommendation of the parties, the Panel finds that absent a Detention Order Disposition, Mr. Papadopoulos would cease his limited engagement with Hospital programming, become medication non-adherent and would likely become violent toward others, and engage in harassing behaviour toward females in particular.
In consideration of all the evidence, the submissions of the parties, and the criteria set forth in s. 672.54, the paramount consideration being the safety of the public, in addition to the mental condition of Mr. Papadopoulos, his reintegration into society and his other needs, the necessary and appropriate Disposition is continuation of the existing Detention Order Disposition with no changes to its terms and conditions.
DATED this 2nd day of September 2025, at the City of Toronto, in the Toronto Region.
Mr. D. D’Intino Legal Member
Office of the Registrar Ontario Review Board