Re: Rassan Williams
ORB File No: 4659
Hearing held on: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Place of hearing: Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Ms. C. Finley Members: Dr. P.L. Darby Dr. G. Kerry Ms. A. La Viola Ms. D. Smith
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Rassan Williams Counsel: Ms. C. Francis (via Zoom)
The Person in charge of Hospital: Representative: Ms. T. Newman
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. S. Curry
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated January 13, 2026)
Introduction
On January 6, 2007, Rassan Williams was found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder on three charges of assault, and one charge each of utter a threat to cause death or bodily harm and assault a peace officer, all contrary to the Criminal Code.
Mr. Williams is currently subject to a disposition of the Ontario Review Board (“ORB”/ “Board”) dated December 30, 2024, detaining him at the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care – High Secure Provincial Forensic Programs, Penetanguishene (“Waypoint”/“the hospital”), with privileges up to and including the ability to reside in the community in 24 hour/7 days a week supervised accommodation approved by the person in charge.
On December 4, 2025, the Board convened a hearing for the annual review of Mr. Williams’ disposition pursuant to s. 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code. Mr. Williams was present and represented by his counsel, Ms. Francis. Both appeared by zoom technology.
At the outset of the proceedings, all parties agreed that Mr. Williams remains a significant threat to the safety of the public and that the necessary and appropriate disposition is a detention order. Where counsel differed is where Mr. Williams is to reside. Counsel for the hospital and the Ministry of the Attorney General submitted that Mr. Wiliams should continue to reside at his current residence, supported by Mind Forward Brain Injury Services. Mr. Williams wishes to reside in the community with his mother.
Findings
- For the reasons that follow, the panel found that Mr. Williams remains a significant threat to the safety of the public and that the necessary and appropriate disposition is a continuation of the current disposition, including the requirement that he reside in highly supervised and supportive accommodations.
The Evidence
- The evidence at the hearing consisted of the Hospital Report, dated November 10, 2025 (ex. 1), and the viva voce evidence of Mr. Williams’ treating psychiatrist, Dr. Mishra, and Mr. Williams.
The Index Offences
- A summary of the index offences has been taken from last year’s Reasons for Disposition.
"On June 1st, 2001, the accused came into the restaurant in the evening and ordered some food. Mr. Tsialafos said that the accused began to disturb the other customers by asking them for cigarettes. He then apologized, asked them if they believed in God and then started to pray. Peter Tsialafos told the accused to settle down. However, the accused continued this conduct. After about five minutes, Peter asked the accused to leave. Mr. Williams demanded that the money he paid for his food be refunded, which it was. Mr. Tsialafos then escorted the accused from the restaurant.
Once outside of the premises, the accused began jumping around and came at Mr. Tsialafos. He kicked Peter Tsialafos twice on his right knee. The accused told Peter that he was a gangster. Mr. Williams positioned his hand into the shape of a gun and kill Mr. Tsialafos. The accused was speaking in a very excited and threatening manner according to the witness. Mr. Tsialafos took the threat seriously. He re-entered the restaurant and called the police. The accused was at the window of the restaurant making threatening comments during the phone call.
The evidence with respect to count two, the charge of assaulting Anthony Begopoulos is as follows. Anthony Begopoulos testified that on June 1st, 2001, he was working as a customer support person in the Rogers Video store at 720 Tratheway. Although the store was busy and there were a lot of customers, Mr. Begopoulos’ attention was drawn to a man who came in and out of the store a number of times. This individual was seen walking around the store talking to himself and yelling. At one point, Anthony had to tell the man not to yell. Subsequently he had to warn the man, who was using profanities towards some women customers, not to talk like that in the store.
The gentleman became aggressive and Anthony came out from behind the service counter to ask him to leave. At that point, the man, who according to Mr. Begopoulos, appeared to be not all there, challenged him to a fight. When Anthony declined, the man swung his fist in a right hook and struck Mr. Begopoulos in the jaw. The assailant fell down and then left the store. Later that same day, Anthony Begopoulos picked a photograph, admitted to be that of the accused, from a photo lineup of 12 pictures. In selecting that photograph the witness studied the photographs for two to three seconds and said, “that looks like him.” The accused testified that he did not recall going into a video store and he denied having a fight with Mr. Begopoulos.
With respect to count nine, the assault on Constable David Norton, Constable Norton testified that on June 2nd, 2001, he was an officer at 12 Division, working the evening shift in uniform. At 8:51 p.m. he and his partner perceived [sic] a radio call about an individual allegedly threatening patrons in the bar of a restaurant at 1555 Jane Street, the complainant was Peter Tsialafos. Constable Norton was not aware that the complaint related to Mr. Williams.
The officer knew the accused from having dealt with him many times before. He said that Mr. Williams, whose nickname was Chucky, has a distinctive way of talking when he is excited. Upon arriving near the restaurant, Constable Norton heard yelling and swearing in a voice he recognized as that of the accused. Mr. Williams approached Constable Norton, yelling, and waving his hands just inches from the officer’s face. The accused appeared agitated by the fact that the police were there. He yelled, “What the fuck do you want.” The constable was about to reach for the accused hands when Mr. Williams shoved him in the chest and ran away.
As regards count 13, assaulting Michael Minogue with intent to resist arrest, Constable Minogue testified that on June 2nd, 2001 he was the Toronto Police Services Officer working out of 12 Division in uniform. At about 3:15 p.m., the constable received a high priority radio call about a person allegedly assaulting citizens in the area of Eglinton Avenue West and Weston Road. The suspect was alleged to be punching passersby and reaching into his jacket as if he was holding a gun.
In the area near 1211 Weston Road both Constable Minogue and Constable Pethec (ph) described seeing the accused across the street. HE walked toward them aggressively with his right fist clenched. Mr. Williams lunged at Constable Minogue and grabbed him in the chest area. The officer got the accused in a bear hug and tried to control him by placing the accused on a motor vehicle and resting his weight on the accused. Constable Minogue tried to calm Mr. Williams. The officer placed the accused under arrest for having assaulted him. The accused started to struggle and fight with the officer. Mr. Williams was very strong. The two men fell to the pavement. It took Pethec (ph) and Sneddon two more minutes of struggling with the accused to get him handcuffed and under control."
Background Information
The Hospital Report contains fulsome information as to Mr. Williams’ personal history and psychiatric care and need not be reviewed in detail in these Reasons beyond the following material points. Mr. Williams is a 44-year-old man who was born in Jamaica and immigrated to Canada with his mother at the age of seven. He found the transition to living in Canada difficult.
As a child, Mr. Williams struggled both academically and behaviourally. He showed a pattern of conduct that included aggressive and threatening behaviour. At the age of 15, he was charged with a series of assaults involving a weapon against his mother and sister. Shortly thereafter he was charged with assaulting his 3-year-old sister and uttering threats to kill her. Mr. Williams’ mother reported that it was commonplace for him to carry a knife. She worried for her own safety and that of her other children.
Mr. Williams first consumed cannabis and alcohol during his teens. He reported that he had smoked cannabis on the nights prior to his arrests. He has a significant criminal record which is detailed in the Hospital Report, at pp. 5-6. It includes youth court convictions for assaults, assault with a weapon, obstructing a peace officer, escaping lawful custody, and trafficking in a Schedule 1 substance. Mr. Williams’ convictions as an adult include carrying a concealed weapon, assaults with intent to resist arrest, forcible confinement, and uttering threats.
In 2001, Mr. Williams was diagnosed with a brain tumour consequent to experiencing seizures. This was formally diagnosed in 2003 as an oligoastrocytoma (Grade 2), involving the right temporal lobe region. As a result, Mr. Williams experienced partial seizures, characterized by disorientation, incontinence, and confusion. It is believed that his seizures had several deleterious effects on his cognitive abilities, including language comprehension and production, attention, and memory. In addition, his social and emotional behaviour also was impacted. Although some of the tumor was removed by surgery, there remains a residual tumour involving the medial right temporal lobe.
Following his arrest for the index offences, Mr. Williams was found unfit to stand trial and ultimately referred to the Ontario Review Board. He was initially detained at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (“CAMH”). He was transferred to Oak Ridge (now “Waypoint”) when it was determined that he required a maximum security facility to manage his risk to others.
After receiving anti-psychotic medication, Mr. Williams’ mental status improved, and he was found fit to stand trial. Following the NCR finding in 2007, he was ordered detained at CAMH. However, his problematic behaviour required that he be placed in seclusion for significant periods of time. The Board determined that this was not the least restrictive or least onerous disposition available to maximize Mr. Williams’ liberties and he was ordered transferred back to Waypoint.1
Mr. Williams remained at Waypoint until his transfer to St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton in July 2017. Within a month, the hospital requested an early review of his disposition due to Mr. Williams’ aggressive and intimidating behaviours, particularly towards co-patients. He had required seclusion since his arrival and had not been deemed appropriate for any privileges. Once again, Mr. Williams was transferred back to Waypoint.
Mr. Williams continued to have difficulties with impulse control and threatening and aggressive behaviour. He quickly became frustrated when his demands were not immediately met. There were numerous acts of aggression towards staff and co-patients. Psychological testing conducted in 2004 indicated that Mr. Williams’s ability to understand verbal information was significantly compromised and appeared to be at the level of a four or five-year-old. When living in the community, he would require significant support and supervision.
Mr. Williams remained on the Beckwith Program, which is one of the most secure forensic units, under the care of Dr. Mishra, until his discharge to the Mind Forward Brain Injury Services Residential Facility in Oakville in May 2022. In the 10 months prior to his discharge, he had been secluded six times for one to three days at a time.
Course Since the Last Disposition
Mr. Williams current diagnoses are Major Neurocognitive Disorder Secondary to a Traumatic Brain Injury, Psychotic Disorder due to a General Medical Condition (D/D: Schizophrenia) and Antisocial Personality Disorder. Of importance to contributing to Mr. Williams overall risk, is his seizure disorder and brain tumour. He continues to receive treatment with the substituted consent of his mother.
Mr. Williams has continued to reside at the Mind Forward Brain Injury Services Residential Facility. Although he remains under Dr. Mishra’s care, Dr. Seyone, a psychiatrist with Mind Forward, supervises his medication and day-to-day management.
Mr. Williams continues to demonstrate verbal and physical aggression. However, the staff at the residence have worked with him to develop strategies to manage his frustration. They track instances of Mr. Williams aggressive behaviour and have implemented a well-defined and structured Behaviour Management Plan (“BMP”). Mr. Williams also has a staff member specifically assigned to him during the day.
This approach has had some success as Mr. Williams has had fewer incidents and has not required seclusion to manage his behaviour. There have been at least three months with no incidents of physical aggression. There has also been a decrease in intimidating behaviours.
On May 31, 2025, Mr. Williams was involved in an altercation with a fellow resident. During the confrontation, Mr. Williams pointed his finger at the resident, and the person grabbed it. Mr. Williams responded by punching the co-resident several times in the head, resulting in the man being covered in blood. When the victim’s family indicated that they were going to contact the police to have charges laid, arrangements were made for Mr. Williams to be returned to Waypoint after legal formalities were completed. However, as no charges were laid, Mr. Williams was able to remain in the residence.
Mr. Williams contributes to the operation of the residence by completing household chores. In particular, he enjoys cleaning and takes pride in his work. His long-term goal is to become a janitor. Mr. Williams has regular access to the community and there have been no concerns. He also participates in various social activities at the residence.
Mr. Williams’ mother remains a source of significant support and regularly visits Mr. Williams in the community. He also has a friend who visits him at the residence every other month.
Given Mr. Williams progress over the past year, Dr. Mishra and the treatment team initially considered that Mr. Williams no longer required the high security and support of Waypoint. They recommended a transfer of Mr. Williams’ care to St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton. However, in October 2025 the clinical team determined that that recommendation was premature.
Following his pre-board meeting in October, Mr. Williams displayed a marked change in behaviour with aggression, defiance of rules, and increased uncooperativeness with staff. He would ignore staff when they attempted to redirect him or engage with him. Notably, Mr. Wiliams engaged in a physical altercation with another resident.
On October 23, 2025, an urgent meeting was held to explore the possibility of returning Mr. Williams to Waypoint if his level of agitation and aggression persisted. However, on October 24, Mind Forward reported that Mr. Williams and his mother had had a good conversation. This conversation, together with some medication changes, had a positive impact on Mr. Williams’ behaviour and an admission to Waypoint was considered unnecessary.
Although Mr. Williams remained compliant with medication, he displayed poor insight into the need for that medication. He has no insight into his problematic behaviour and would deny that he acted in a threatening or aggressive manner. There were multiple episodes of aggression towards staff and peers, some resulting in physical violence. He had to be escorted back to his room by staff on multiple occasions. He displayed challenging behaviour regularly. This was managed by the staff very skillfully.
The following composite assessment as found in the Hospital Report, at pages 179-180, is apposite:
Mr. Williams suffers from a major mental disorder, that being a psychotic disorder due to a general medical condition (D/D: schizophrenia), a major neurocognitive disorder due to another medical condition, antisocial personality disorder, and a history of cannabis and alcohol use disorders. He suffers cognitive challenges resulting from a past brain tumour and continues to suffer seizures which negatively impact his current cognitive functioning. He is currently managed in an environment with significant structure and supervision, and continues to display positive symptoms of psychosis. In the past, he had displayed significant antisocial behaviour and violence both prior to his contact with the mental health services and following his admission. The risk that he poses is currently managed by the structure and supervision provided in a highly specialised group home setting under the auspices of the ORB. It is thus essential that Mr. Williams resides in the current setting as previous attempts at less secure facilities have proven unsuccessful. If he were to reside anywhere else, problems with compliance resulting in escalation of symptoms and behaviour can be expected with accompanying increases in risk to public safety.
Dr. Mishra testified before the panel. He indicated that Mr. Williams fails to appreciate his own challenges in terms of managing his activities of daily living. The day-to-day support that he needs, and currently receiving at the residence, is significant. Mr. Williams has always believed that he can live independently or live with a friend. This lack of appreciation of his own needs is a result of Mr. Williams’ cognitive functioning. It flows from a combination of his acquired brain injury from the tumour and his personality structure.
Dr. Mishra indicated that Mr. Williams reactions can be quite explosive and aggressive. The doctor referenced the two occasions over the past year when the clinical treatment team took steps to arrange for a readmission to Waypoint to manage Mr. Williams’ behaviour and risk for violence.
Dr. Mishra testified that he believes that Mr. Williams’ mother has certain personal and health challenges that would result in her not being able to support or supervise her son sufficiently to manage his risk. Asking to take on that role would, in the doctor’s opinion, be putting her in a difficult situation given the intensity of support that Mr. Williams requires. Even putting her in the role of being an Approved Person would be subjecting her to unnecessary stress.
In Dr. Mishra’s opinion, Mr. Williams currently is well-placed at the Mind Forward residence. He is able to go into the community, shop or eat out with his family. Those kinds of privileges would not be available were he admitted to hospital. The staff at the residence know and like Mr. Williams and are able to skillfully manage his behaviour and related risk to the public. Further, they are able to administer his complex medication regime, with multiple medications required throughout the day.
Dr. Mishra acknowledged the frustration that Mr. Williams is experiencing in what he perceives lack of progress. Before seeking any kind of employment, Mr. Williams would have to experience a further period of stability in his behaviour to demonstrate an ability to tolerate a work environment. He agreed that, in the interim, there could be some intermediary steps involving work within the residence that could be implemented.
Mr. Williams testified before the panel. He indicated that he enjoyed going out shopping and to restaurants with his mother and one of the staff members. He had acquired sufficient funds through the token system to purchase shoes for his mother. He also enjoys the regular visits with his friend. He takes pride in his cleaning skills and would like to get a job as a janitor. He also listens to music to relieve his stress.
At the conclusion of the evidence, all parties maintained their initial positions.
Analysis and Conclusion
The panel carefully considered the Hospital Report and the evidence of Dr. Mishra and Mr. Williams, and unanimously concluded that Mr. Williams remains a significant threat to the safety of the public. His risk flows from his diagnoses of schizophrenia, neurocognitive disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. He suffers from significant cognitive challenges that impact on his ability to manage stress, frustration, and conflict. He reacts quickly and aggressively, often in a verbally or physically aggressive manner. Without the intervention of skilled staff at the residence, the staff and co-residents would be at significant risk for injury. As such, he continues to be a significant threat to the safety of the public.
The panel also unanimously concludes that the necessary and appropriate disposition is a continuation of the current detention order. Mr. Williams requires a significant amount of support and supervision on a day-to-day basis. Staff at the residence administer his medications throughout the day. They assist Mr. Williams with his daily activities of living. Critically, they have implemented a Behaviour Management Plan that rewards Mr. Williams for positive behaviour. They have noted recent success in the past year.
Mr. Williams enjoys significant privileges while residing at the Mind Forward residence, privileges that he could not be afforded while admitted to hospital. Staff there are able to accompany Mr. Williams on trips into the community, whether it be for shopping or sharing meals with his mother. At the same time, staff have the ability to manage Mr. Williams’ risk to others through the use of seclusion. It is unrealistic to conclude that Mr. Williams’ mother would be able to replicate the support and supervision required to manage Mr. Williams.
But for two incidents involving assaults on other residents, Mr. Williams has had a positive year. He has shown himself to be a dedicated contributor to the operation of the residence by offering his cleaning skills. It is encouraging to note that there is some thought to expanding his role in that regard. It would provide him with skills that could lead him to work, even perhaps within the residence.
In conclusion, the panel finds that the necessary and appropriate disposition is a continuation of the current detention order. In coming to this conclusion, the panel considered the provisions of s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code, including the need to protect the public from dangerous persons, Mr. Williams’ mental condition, his reintegration into society and other needs.
DATED this 13th day of January 2026, at the City of Toronto, in the Toronto Region.
Ms. C. Finley Alternate Chairperson
Office of the Registrar Ontario Review Board