Re: Alexander N. James
ORB File No: 6594
Hearing held on: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Place of hearing: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. M.D. Segal Members: Dr. G.A. Chaimowitz Dr. H. Moulden Hon. N. Kozloff Mr. S. Duffy
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Alexander N. James Counsel: Mr. J. Halberstadt
The person in charge of hospital: Counsel: Ms. J. Szabo
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Mr. C. Coughlan
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated March 9, 2026)
Introduction
[1]. Alexander N. James, age 35, was on August 14, 2014, found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder on charges of aggravated assault, and assaulting a peace officer, contrary to the Criminal Code.
[2]. Mr. James, who is conditionally discharged, appeared on February 3, 2026, for his annual hearing at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (the “hospital”) before the Ontario Review Board (the “Board”).
[3]. The Board had before it a Hospital Report dated January 14, 2026, as Exhibit 1.
[4]. In preliminary positions all parties agreed that significant threat was present, and that the current Disposition remained appropriate, however, all recommended that the abstinence clause and the consent to treatment clause be removed. By the conclusion of the hearing, after hearing the evidence and submissions, the Board agreed with the joint submission.
Index Offence
[5]. In September 2013, two members of the Toronto Police Service encountered Mr. James who was obstructing traffic by sitting on a curb with his legs extended into the roadway. Police asked Mr. James to move but he ignored them. When they attempted to take control of him so traffic could proceed, he fought the officers. One officer fell to the ground, striking his head and suffering a concussion. The other officer struck his head and suffered seizures resulting in a loss of consciousness. Other police officers attended the scene and were able to take control of Mr. James. At the time, he was uttering that he was God and had been sent by prophets. He had not been taking prescribed medications to control his schizophrenia at the time of the incident.
Diagnoses
[6].
- Schizophrenia, in partial remission
- Cannabis Use Disorder, moderate, in partial remission
Evidence at the Hearing
[7]. Dr. I. Swayze, the patient’s psychiatrist, testified by audio visual means. Dr. Swayze indicated that Mr. James has recently returned from Jamaica following a two-week period to celebrate his sister’s wedding. The trip was enjoyable and uneventful.
[8]. Mr. James has been abstinent for some time. All tests have been negative. According to Dr. Swayze, Mr. James understands that cannabis is not for him because of its link to the return of psychosis.
[9]. Mr. James resides with his mother in Thornhill. He attends the pharmacy by himself five days a week for medication. He is on a long-acting injection every two weeks of paliperidone palmitate (Invega Trinza) supplemented by 3 milligrams of paliperidone- Abilify daily.
[10]. Mr. James is seen at least every two weeks. The frequency may be somewhat reduced in the upcoming year.
[11]. Mr. James is on lengthy waiting lists for supportive housing both through “Access Point” and York Region.
[12]. Mr. James has few social relationships except through his family. He sees his father, who lives in Bradford, on a regular basis.
[13]. Mr. James is on a pathway toward an Absolute Discharge.
[14]. In the upcoming year Dr. Swayze would like to see part-time employment and more leisure activities. CAMH employment assistance has been offered but not taken up. Mr. James habitually spends his time composing music. Mr. James attends the music group at the hospital every Monday.
[15]. In the upcoming year Dr. Swayze would recommend the removal of the non-abstinence and consent to treatment clauses to test out Mr. James’ ability to be in charge of his own affairs.
[16]. Mr. James’ insight has improved over the last year. He is better able to articulate his diagnoses, associated symptoms and the need for treatment. Mr. James has had a good year.
Analysis
[17]. Significant risk was conceded. It is evident that Mr. James is doing well. This was not always the case bearing in mind the history of mental illness, substance use and violence which continue to support significant risk. The hospital wishes to see how Mr. James does on this trajectory. To that end it is suggested, and the Board accepts, that the abstinence and consent to treatment clauses be removed to test out independence on a pathway to the possibility of an Absolute Discharge. The Board agrees and wishes Mr. James well in the upcoming year.
DATED this 9th day of March, 2026, at the City of Toronto, in the Region of Toronto.
Mr. M.D. Segal Alternate Chairperson
Office of the Registrar Ontario Review Board