Ontario Review Board
Re: Thomas Ridout
ORB File No: 8886
Hearing held on: Monday, January 26, 2026
Place of hearing: Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Pursuant to: Section 672.47(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. J. Goldenberg
Members: Dr. M. Attia Dr. M. Kalia Ms. J. Ferguson Mr. J. Cyr
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Thomas Rideout Counsel: Mr. W. Cunningham
The person in charge of hospital: Counsel: Mr. K. Dow
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. N. MacDonald
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated March 6, 2026)
Introduction
[1]. On October 22, 2025, Mr. Ridout was found criminally responsible on a charge of aggravated assault. The trial judge directed that Mr. Rideout transfer to the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (“Ontario Shores“) or any other provincial facility in order for the Ontario Review Board to conduct an initial Disposition hearing.
[2]. The Board understands that Mr. Ridout was transferred to Ontario Shores on November 5, 2025. The Board further understands that Mr. Ridout was initially placed in the Forensic Assessment Unit (a secure unit). Finally, the Board understands that on December 22nd, Mr. Ridout was transferred to a General Forensic Unit.
[3]. On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Ontario Review Board convened a hearing at Ontario Shores and conducted the initial Disposition hearing.
Position of the Parties
[4]. At the outset of the hearing, the parties were canvased as to their recommendation to the Board. Mr. Dow appeared for Ontario Shores. He advised the hospital position that currently Mr. Ridout remains a significant threat to public safety, and if the Board so finds, the hospital is recommending that Mr. Ridout be detained in a General Forensic Unit at Ontario Shores with a number of privileges and prohibitions, including the privilege of living in the community in approved accommodation.
[5]. Ms. MacDonald appeared for the Attorney General. She agreed with and supported the hospital’s recommendation.
[6]. Mr. W. Cunningham appeared for Mr. Ridout. Mr. Cunningham advised that he and his client support the hospital’s position. In response to questions from the Alternate Chair, Mr. Cunningham accepts that at the present time his client remains a significant threat to public safety as that term is used in the jurisprudence.
[7]. We also note that Mr. Ridout’s parents were present at this hearing.
Index Offences
“The following was obtained from the Ontario Court of Justice Agreed Statement of Facts:
The parties agree to the following facts for the purpose of finding pursuant to s. 672.34 of the Criminal Code that Mr. Thomas Ridout committed the acts necessary for but is not criminal responsible of the offence of aggravated assault. Thomas Ridout is a thirty-five-year-old male. At the relevant time he resided with his parents, Gordon Ridout and Jane Ridout, in the City of Richmond Hill. On February 10, 2025, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Gord Ridout was in the basement of the residence watching television and Jane Ridout was on the main floor on the computer. Thomas Ridout retrieved a kitchen knife and went into the basement. He approached his father and said “I love you, Dad.” Thomas Ridout then struck his father in the neck with the kitchen knife. While Thomas Ridout continued to say “I love you, Dad,” He was speaking loudly enough to be heard by Jane Ridout who was upstairs. Gordon Ridout got out of his chair. He saw Thomas Ridout with a large kitchen knife and felt a guggling in his neck. After Gordon Ridout stood up, there was a brief struggle that resulted in Gordon Ridout suffering minor cuts to his hands. The parties fell to the ground and Gordon Ridout yelled to Jane Ridout for help. Jane Ridout heard the cries for help and went downstairs, which THOMAS GILLMORE RIDOUT WH00180650 3 CONFIDENTIAL ended the struggle. Thomas Ridout then went upstairs followed by his parents. Jane Ridout called the police from the kitchen while Gordon Ridout tried to slow the bleeding by holding a towel against his neck. While Jane Ridout was on the phone to call an ambulance, Thomas Ridout came in and indicated he was going to call the police to turn self in. Ultimately, police and ambulance arrived at the residence. Gordon Ridout was taken to hospital to treat his injuries, and Thomas Ridout was arrested for attempt murder.”
Evidence at Hearing
[8]. The Board admitted into evidence a number of documents, most of which were filed in the court proceedings. In addition, the Board admitted into evidence the report of Dr. Glancy. The document stated to be a victim impact statement, which was, in fact, a very strong letter of support authored by Mr. Ridout’s father, who was the victim of the index offences.
[9]. The Board admitted into evidence the hospital report dated January 7, 2026. As the hospital report was made an exhibit in this hearing, it is not necessary to reproduce the information contained in the hospital report in these Reasons. We do note, however, the stated diagnoses of:
Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder
Cannabis Use Disorder (mild)
[10]. In addition to the documentary evidence, the Board heard from Dr. Alioglu Karayilan. Dr. Alioglu Karayilan is a clinical fellow at Ontario Shores. She has been following Mr. Ridout since his admission to Ontario Shores on November 5, 2025. She is a co-author of the hospital report. She is supervised by Dr. Pytyck who was also present at this hearing.
[11]. In response to questions from Mr. Dow, the doctor noted that she accepts the contents of the hospital report. She suggested that there is some question of the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The doctor understands that historically, many years ago, this diagnosis was stated by the then physician, but it is something that is being reconsidered by the clinical team at Ontario Shores. Dr. Alioglu Karayilan noted that her patient is being treated with Olanzapine and with Clozapine. The doctor believes that he has responded well to the medications. The doctor noted that she has not noted any symptoms of psychotic symptoms.
[12]. In response to a question from Mr. Dow, Dr. Alioglu Karayilan described Mr. Ridout’s insight as “fair”. That was in connection with his diagnosis of schizophrenia and or schizoaffective disorder. The doctor went on to say that Mr. Ridout’s insight with respect to cannabis use disorder is “underdeveloped”.
[13]. Dr. Alioglu Karayilan confirmed that Mr. Ridout was transferred to a General Forensic Unit on December 22, 2025. Since his transfer to a General Forensic Unit, Mr. Rideout has his computer and spends time in his room. The doctor made the point, however, that Mr. Ridout is “engaged” with the clinical team.
[14]. The doctor accepts the evidence in the hospital report.
[15]. At the present time, Mr. Ridout remains a significant threat to public safety. The doctor believes that Mr. Ridout may well be ready to move into the community at some point in the next 12 months. The hospital will arrange for an Occupational Therapy Assessment to be completed, which will assist the hospital in determining the appropriate type of residence.
[16]. Dr. Alioglu Karayilan stated that Mr. Ridout works well with members of the clinical team.
[17]. In response to a question from Ms. MacDonald, Dr. Alioglu Karayilan stated her opinion that Mr. Rideout might well be ready to move into the community at some point within the next 12 months. The doctor explained that she would introduce privileges, including off ward privileges, and that there was a realistic chance that Mr. Ridout would be ready to move into the community at some point in the next 12 months.
[18]. Mr. Cunnigham did not have any questions for the doctor.
[19]. In response to questions from a member of the panel, Dr. Alioglu Karayilan confirmed that Mr. Ridout had been tested for use of substances since his arrival at Ontario Shores, and all of those tests were negative.
[20]. Not other evidence was heard at this hearing.
Final Submissions
[21]. Mr. Dow pointed out that the parties were making a joint recommendation. Mr. Dow submitted the hospital was seeking a detention order directed to the General Forensic Service given that Mr. Ridout as already been transferred to that unit. Mr. Dow went on to compliment Mr. Ridout for his success to date in hospital.
[22]. Ms. MacDonald echoed those comments by Mr. Dow and went on to stress how valuable Mr. and Mrs. Ridout are in connection with their assistance to their son. It was noted that the court imposed a no contact provision. Mr. Cunningham had confirmed his client’s instructions that the no contact clause was removed in July of last year.
[23]. Mr. Cunningham in his final submissions noted that the parties were making a joint recommendation.
Findings of the Board
[24]. The Board accepts without reservation the evidence of Dr. Alioglu Karayilan and the evidence contained in the hospital report. We accept that at the present time, Mr. Ridout is a significant threat to public safety. We note the very serious nature of the index offence, and the fact that the index offence is relatively recent. We note the evidence at the present time that Mr. Ridout remains a significant threat to public safety.
[25]. The Board also accepts that the necessary and appropriate Disposition is a detention order directed to a General Forensic Unit at Ontario Shores, with the privileges and prohibitions set out in the hospital report.
[26]. In reaching our decision, we have taken into consideration public safety, Mr. Ridout’s mental condition and his other needs, and Mr. Ridout’s reintegration into society.
DATED this 6th day of March 2026, at the City of Toronto, in the Region of Toronto.
Mr. Joel Goldenberg Alternate Chairperson
Office of the Registrar Ontario Review Board