Re: Leslie H. Dennis, 2026 CanLII 21144

Re: Leslie H. Dennis

ORB File No: 5419

Hearing held on: Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Place of hearing: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Pursuant to: Section 672.81(2) of the Criminal Code

Before:

Alternate Chairperson: Ms. C. Finley

Members: The Hon. B. Allen Dr. Y. Alatishe Dr. L. O. Lightfoot Mr. J. Cyr

Parties Appearing:

Accused: Leslie H. Dennis Counsel: Mr. C. Hynes

The person in charge of hospital: Counsel: Mr. D. Blumenkrans

Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. V. Culp

REASONS FOR DISPOSITION

(Dated January 21, 2026)

Introduction

1On August 6, 2009, Mr. Leslie Dennis was found not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder on charges of assault with a weapon (x2), assault (x2), assault with intent to resist arrest, mischief under $5,000, mischief endangering life, and uttering a threat to cause death or bodily harm, all contrary to the Criminal Code.

2Under s. 672.81(2) of the Criminal Code, a panel of the Ontario Review Board (“the Board”) was convened on November 26, 2025, at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (“CAMH or the Hospital”) to review Mr. Dennis’s threat to public safety and the appropriate disposition under s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code.

3Mr. Dennis’s existing disposition dated March 26, 2025, provides that he continues to represent a significant threat to the safety of the public and orders that he be conditionally discharged from CAMH subject to the conditions set out in the disposition.

4By correspondence dated October 27, 2025, written pursuant to s. 672.81(2) of the Criminal Code, the Hospital requests an early hearing. Mr. Dennis resides in community housing where he has committed housing rule breaches that have led him to receive two eviction notices. It is anticipated that at an upcoming landlord and tenant hearing on January 12, 2026, Mr. Dennis will be evicted which will likely result in homelessness. To avoid this eventuality the Hospital requests an early disposition that requires him to be returned to the Hospital in order to manage his risk to the public. Mr. Dennis currently remains in his accommodation awaiting the outcome of the eviction hearing.

5On significant threat and disposition the Hospital and Crown take a joint position that Mr. Dennis continues to pose a significant threat to public safety and that the least onerous and least restrictive disposition is detention at the Forensic General Service at CAMH on the existing conditions. Of particular note in looking at the disposition is the condition at clause 1(b) which provides that Mr. Dennis “abstain absolutely from the non-medical use of alcohol or drugs or any other intoxicant, with the exception of cannabis”.

6Mr. Dennis seeks an absolute discharge.

7The parties maintained their positions at the close of evidence.

Disposition

8For the reasons set out below the Board concludes, under s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code, that Mr. Dennis continues to pose a significant threat to public safety and that the necessary and appropriate disposition is detention at the Forensic General Service at CAMH on the existing conditions which include permission to live in approved community housing.

Current Diagnoses

9Mr. Dennis’s current diagnoses are schizophrenia, substance use disorder (cannabis, alcohol in remission) and anti-social personality disorder.

The Evidence

10The Board has before it the Hospital Report dated October 14, 2025, which contains an account of Mr. Dennis’s personal and psychiatric background which need not be repeated in detail here. The Board also has the oral evidence of Dr. Artemis Igoumenou, an author of the Hospital Report.

Index Offences

11The circumstances of the index offence are described in the Hospital Report at pages 7 and 8 and are summarized as follows:

Assault, Assault with a Weapon, Threatening Death

The victim, Mr. Dennis’ mother, was 70 years old at the time of the offence. She and Mr. Dennis did not live together, but he would attend his mother’s home for food, money, or clothes. On May 27, 2009, Mr. Dennis came over, wanting some clothes from his mother, who was in her bedroom. Mr. Dennis entered the bedroom. His mother told him that she did not have the clothes he was looking for. Mr. Dennis became upset and punched his mother three or four times in the face. He also placed his hand on her throat and tried to choke her. He then went to the kitchen and retrieved a knife. He returned to the bedroom and while holding the knife, said to his mother, “I want to kill you.” He then put the knife down and punched her several more times in her face. He left the apartment, and the police were called. The victim had a large bruise on her forehead and lumps on the back of her head. She did not require medical attention.

Mischief Endangering Life

On May 5, 2009, the Toronto Fire Department and Department of Ambulance Services were involved at 200 Wellesley Street East in the City of Toronto for an unrelated matter. Several members from the Department observed beer bottles falling from an apartment balcony. One of the bottles missed a paramedic exiting his vehicle and nearly hit his head. Police arrived on scene and spoke with witnesses who had observed the bottles being thrown from apartment #1404. One witness stated that Mr. Dennis was throwing the bottles. Police attended apartment #1404 and located Mr. Dennis. Beer bottles of the same brand and size were found inside the apartment.

Assault, Assault with a Weapon, Assault with Intent to Resist Arrest, Mischief Under

On May 3, 2009, Mr. Dennis was in the rear parking lot of 1 Danforth Avenue, the Adult Learning Centre. At the southeast edge of the parking lot was the Riverdale Meadow Community Garden. The witness and her husband had come to the garden to work in it, when they observed Mr. Dennis in the parking lot. He was acting irrationally, kicking dirt around the ground. They also saw a garden hose which was normally buried underground piled up on the northwest side of the parking lot. The ground in which it had been laying was disturbed.

Toronto District School Board security was contacted to attend. The witness also observed a Toronto Police Officer doing traffic enforcement at the front entrance of the school and informed them of the situation. The officer approached Mr. Dennis and observed him acting in an irrational manner. At the same time, the Toronto District School Board security had arrived.

Mr. Dennis, upon confrontation, became agitated and swung his arms at the officers. He had a paperback book in his hand, and he took a swing at the officer with the book. The Toronto District School Board officer and the Police Officer attempted to arrest Mr. Dennis, who became very aggressive and resisted the arrest. While officers were struggling to handcuff him, all parties went to the ground. The arrest was only affected when one of the witnesses came to the officers’ assistance.

Criminal History

12Mr. Dennis’s was first charged with a criminal offence when he was age 27 for possession of cannabis. He has a lengthy criminal record involving 42 criminal convictions from 1992 to 2006 for charges of trafficking and possession of substances, possession of a weapon, failure to comply with recognizance, uttering threats, assault, assaulting with intent to resist arrest, assaulting with intent to steal and forcible confinement. Mr. Dennis had not been charged with any offences in the three years before his index offences.

Substance Use

13Mr. Dennis has a lengthy history of alcohol and cannabis abuse and has denied ever using any other street drugs although he admitted to selling crack cocaine.

Mr. Dennis’s Personal and Psychiatric History

Before the Current Reporting Year

Personal History

14Mr. Dennis is 65 years of age. He is the father of six children from different relationships. He was born in St. Thomas, Jamaica and immigrated to Canada when he was 13 years old. He graduated from Eastdale Collegiate Institute in Toronto when he was 17 years old and did well in school. He has been regarded as quiet but sociable. Following high school, he completed a course in welding at George Brown College.

15Mr. Dennis has worked several jobs since graduating. These have included working as a valet, a shipper/receiver, a security guard, a customer service representative, and a courier. His employment has been interrupted at times as a result of his use of alcohol and cannabis. He has been an ODSP recipient.

Psychiatric History

16Mr. Dennis was first diagnosed with a mental illness 26 years ago when he was 39 years old and, as noted, was diagnosed with schizophrenia, substance use disorder involving cannabis and alcohol, in remission, and anti-social personality disorder.

17Before the index offences Mr. Dennis had been a client of LOFT Community Services Mental Health and Justice Housing from May 29, 2006. Following the index offences Mr. Dennis was admitted to the Assessment and Triage Unit (ATU) at the Hospital in accordance with his not criminally responsible assessment on June 29, 2009.

18On admission to Hospital Mr. Dennis endorsed auditory and visual hallucinations indicating that he heard “dead people’s voices” telling him “they want to live in peace and the highway is causing them to be restless.” Mr. Dennis denied being ill. During his admission he was grandiose, markedly delusional, making numerous references to sexual and religious themes. He stated that his mother was “evil” and had a “relationship with Satan” and Mr. Dennis also believed that he was “ten thousand years old but in this life, 48.” He denied responsibility for the index offences and made comments about voodoo and Satan and about being monitored by the police.

19Throughout the years from 2009 to 2024 Mr. Dennis was admitted to CAMH and discharged to the community on numerous occasions.

20When on discharge Mr. Dennis was followed by the CAMH Forensic Outpatient Team (“FOPS”). He continued to consume illegal substances both as an inpatient at CAMH and in the community. His urine tests were frequently positive for cannabis and at times, cocaine, and he was often found to have consumed alcohol. He tended to be dishonest about his use of substances. He was inconsistent in attending substance relapse prevention programs although in 2013 he completed all three levels of substance use programming at CAMH, including the engagement, relapse prevention and aftercare groups. But subsequently his urine tested positive for substances.

21Mr. Dennis was also on many occasions non-compliant with his antipsychotic medication and continued to exhibit symptoms of psychosis and mood instability. He was also found to breach personal boundaries of other co-patients including inappropriately touching female patients. He also engaged in aggressive and violent behaviour that resulted in him being placed in locked seclusion. Mr. Dennis continued to be in violation of community housing rules in a variety of ways.

22The clinical team concluded that Mr. Dennis was better suited for high support housing that offered a structured environment. He received a placement at Services and Housing in the Province (“SHIP”) housing. He however continued to commit infractions such as gambling, smoking, and selling cigarettes, borrowing money, and using cannabis. As a consequence, he was given formal notice that if he did not comply with his tenancy agreement, he would receive notice of eviction. Cannabis use preceded these problematic behaviours and would often lead to re-admissions to CAMH.

23From 2018 to 2021 Mr. Dennis remained in a general forensic unit at CAMH and remained clinically stable, with no evidence of psychosis or thought disorder. There was no aggression or violent behaviour witnessed. He did get involved in drug relapse programming and individual behaviour therapy. However, Mr. Dennis had frequent positive urine drug screens and also admitted to using alcohol and spice in two separate incidents in July and August 2018. His insight remained superficially intact in that he understood that cannabis use was prohibited under his Board disposition and was posing a significant barrier to discharge. He was granted indirectly supervised outings in the community but lost and regained this privilege on a number of occasions.

24On a positive note, Mr. Dennis developed a close relationship with his daughter, grandson, and son. They visited him intermittently at CAMH. He also had regular telephone contact with his family.

25In 2020 Mr. Dennis remained mentally stable in CAMH in a general forensic unit. He had no experiences of any re-emergences of psychotic symptoms and no instances of aggression, agitation, or violence. There were only a few rule violations; for instance, he returned from a pass with contraband (cigarettes) and was caught smoking on the unit on one occasion.

26Mr. Dennis was discharged to CMHA (“Canadian Mental Health Association”) THRP 1 (“Transitional Housing Rehabilitation Program”) housing in Toronto in October 2020. After his discharge from CAMH Mr. Dennis remained mentally stable with no re- emergence of psychotic symptoms despite frequent cannabis use. Throughout November and December 2020 and January 2021, on numerous occasions, his urine tested positive for cannabis. He was however compliant with his medications.

27Mr. Dennis continued to reside in CMHA THRP 1 housing in 2022 and continued to test positive for cannabis. So, in view of Mr. Dennis’s continued mental stability the clinical team began considering transitioning Mr. Dennis to more independent housing in the coming year. He remained willing to engage in most therapies or structured activities offered to him by the team during the reporting year. He continued to attend substance relapse prevention therapy through Forensic Consultation and Assessment Team (“FORCAT”).

28Mr. Dennis continued to use cannabis, to test positive for opiates and also admitted to drinking beer. He continued in 2022 to reside in CMHA THRP 1 housing. In January 2023, Mr. Dennis was accepted for the Forensic Supportive Housing Program (“FSH”), a permanent independent housing program provided by CMHA, with a one-month probation period and subject to signing a behavioural contract which stipulated that acceptance to FSH was contingent upon reducing or eliminating his disruptive behaviour.

29Mr. Dennis continued to attend the FORCAT program on a bi-weekly basis. He described the sessions as beneficial in keeping him connected to his substance abuse goals. He also attended Cognitive Adaptation Training (“CAT”), which program was utilized to help with activities of daily living and paid employment. Mr. Dennis has considered his family to be his primary social support system and maintained close ties with his sister and daughter.

30Following his October 2023, Board hearing Mr. Dennis received a conditional discharge to the community on terms that he abstain from all recreational substances except for cannabis and report to the clinical team once a week.

31In Mr. Dennis’s favour, during the reporting year 2023/2024, the following facts show some progress: he remained mentally stable over the reporting period; he continued to meet regularly with his FOPS team; he remained compliant with his medications; his cannabis use did not increase substantially after he received his October 2023 disposition from the Board; he continued to meet with his FOPS psychologist every two weeks for individual substance use counselling; and he agreed to a harm reduction agreement with his team including agreeing to purchase cannabis exclusively from a licensed cannabis dealer and to providing his cannabis receipts to his case manager.

32However during the reporting year 2023/2024 there were factors of some concern such as: Mr. Dennis continued to experience significant struggles regarding his ability to manage his finances and refrain from asking others for money; he struggled to maintain his personal hygiene and living environment; he exhibited low motivation to obtain employment; and he continued to evidence chronic negative symptoms of his psychotic illness which manifested as challenges with his activities of daily living and low motivation.

33During February 2024 to February 2025 Mr. Dennis’s circumstances did not change markedly. Some positive indicators continued. He did not exhibit symptoms of psychosis or show signs of aggression or violence to staff or others. There were no reports of Hospital admissions for mental health concerns. He attended the FOPS clinic once every two weeks to receive his medication injections and he independently administered his oral medications. His insight into his mental health and need for medication and treatment remained partial.

Current Reporting Year - February 2025 to November 2025

34During the current period Mr. Dennis exhibited no material changes in his circumstances. He reported consistently in a stable mood and displayed no symptoms of psychosis or problems with his sleep, energy, motivation, or appetite. His insight into his illness and need for medication and treatment remained partial. He tested positive for cocaine though he denied using cocaine despite ongoing positive urine tests. However, Mr. Dennis accepted accountability for his own legal obligations and treatment in the face of ongoing positive urine drug screens for cocaine and cannabis.

35The housing staff raised multiple concerns about Mr. Dennis’s behaviours as described in detail above, resulting in Mr. Dennis being served eviction notices and awaiting a landlord tenant tribunal hearing date. As noted earlier if he is formally evicted, he will likely end up homeless. Mr. Dennis has the prospect of being evicted despite the intense support and structure provided to him in the community under the auspices of the Board.

36From February 2025 to September 2025 Mr. Dennis committed some 40 infractions of housing rules, such as on numerous occasions surreptitiously allowing prohibited guests and trespassers into the building and permitting guests to stay in his apartment; not attending for injections; and smoking a joint on the building premises by the building door. The treatment team concluded based on the results of screening, his past psychological testing results, and file information, that it appeared likely that his persisting issues with compliance with housing rules are related both to his cognitive vulnerabilities and his antisocial personality traits.

37The Hospital Report at page 55 describes as follow Mr. Dennis’s presentation during a Mental Status Examination from September to October 2025:

Mr. Dennis is a 65-year-old Jamaican man, appearing his stated age. He presented as a calm, pleasant man, engaging during interviews. He was sometimes malodorous and required reminders to attend to his personal hygiene. There was no evident agitation, and he was appropriate and cooperative. He maintained good eye contact and we had good rapport. There were no abnormal movements or behaviors. His affect was generally reactive, although on occasions restricted. His mood was objectively euthymic, and he described it as good and reported no depressed mood. There were no evident psychotic symptoms in the form of thought or perception abnormalities, no suicidal ideation, or violent ideation. He had partial insight into his mental illness and need for medication, and limited insight into his substance use disorders. He was orientated to time, place, and person. There were no reported concerns about his attention, concentration (he was reading for 3 to 4 hours a day) but there were concerns about his memory.

Oral Evidence of Dr. Artemis Igoumenou

38Dr. Igoumenou testified there were no material updates since the October 14, 2025, Hospital Report.

39Dr. Igoumenou testified about why a detention order is a reasonable disposition under Mr. Dennis’s circumstances. She explained that a detention order provides the necessary medical supervision and monitoring in the community and requires Mr. Dennis to reside in approved accommodation which promotes the protection of the public. Dr. Igoumenou testified that Mr. Dennis’s reporting requirement is every two weeks which she believes is sufficient to monitor and assess his rule non-compliance.

40In answer to questions regarding the accommodation plan going forward, the doctor testified that Mr. Dennis will remain in his current housing pending the outcome of the eviction hearing scheduled for January 12, 2026. She testified there is little hope Mr. Dennis will avoid eviction in spite of his optimism that he has a chance of succeeding.

41Dr. Igoumenou indicated that the clinical team is currently searching for suitable housing. There has been no success thus far, but the search is ongoing. So far there has been no success. The housing providers contacted have no accommodations available and the eviction creates some complications to the success of the search. Dr. Igoumenou also testified that if Mr. Dennis were returned to the Hospital the search would continue.

42As well, going forward, Mr. Dennis’s current antipsychotic medication will be continued since during the current reporting year on this medication Mr. Dennis did not exhibit symptoms of psychosis or show signs of aggression or violence toward staff or others.

43Dr. Igoumenou indicated that a significant concern is assessing why Mr. Dennis continues to violate house rules on numerous occasions in spite of many warnings. She testified that psychoeducation on the effect of drugs and drug relapse therapy are the recommended means to explore his problems with rule non-compliance. Mr. Dennis has had increased instances of urine tests positive for cocaine which he denies using. Dr. Igoumenou stressed that Mr. Dennis has to return to engagement in therapeutic programs that emphasize the risk involved in using cocaine and cannabis. The doctor however acknowledged Mr. Dennis’s perseverance around not stopping smoking cannabis because it relaxes him.

44Dr. Igoumenou testified that Mr. Dennis has been referred on a number of occasions for cognitive and behavioural screening and treatment and was found to fall below the normal range for cognitive functioning. He has also attended substance relapse therapy on a number of occasions, but this did not affect his drug use.

45Dr. Igoumenou confirmed the opinion in the Hospital Report related to the current reporting year proposing that Mr. Dennis’s non-compliance with housing rules is likely related both to his cognitive vulnerabilities and his anti-social personality traits.

46The Board inquired about the investigation of the cognitive and anti-social features in Mr. Dennis’s psychiatric picture. A query was raised about whether his rule breaches and money management issues as they relate to drug use might be addressed by more intensive drug intervention strategies.

47The Board also inquired as to whether Mr. Dennis could benefit from behavioural therapies - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (“CBT”) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (“DBT”) - therapies broadly directed at identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours and improving interpersonal relationships. These therapeutic approaches, it was suggested by the Board, could address behaviours underlying Mr. Dennis’s non- compliance, non-abstinence from drugs and behaviours driven by anti-social personality features.

48Dr. Igoumenou graciously acknowledged the Board’s suggestions and agreed that Mr. Dennis could benefit from intensive drug intervention and behavioural therapies directed at his problematic behaviours.

The Parties’ Positions

49As noted earlier the Hospital and Crown maintain their joint position that Mr. Dennis remains a significant threat to public safety and that detention at the General Forensic Service at CAMH on the existing conditions, which include the privilege to reside in approved accommodation, is an appropriate disposition. Mr. Dennis seeks an absolute discharge.

The Board’s Conclusion

50Based on the evidence before us, the Board unanimously accepts the opinion, as stated in the Hospital Report, that Mr. Dennis remains a significant threat to public safety within the criteria outlined in Winko v British Columbia, 1999 CanLII 694 (SCC), [1999] 2 S.C.R. 625, and as defined in s. 672.5401 of the Criminal Code. The Board considered the criteria, as set out in s. 672.54, namely, the paramount criterion of the safety of the public and Mr. Dennis’s community re-integration, his mental condition, and his other needs.

51We accept, in accordance with s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code, that the least onerous and least restrictive disposition, that is necessary and appropriate in the circumstances is detention at the Forensic General Service at CAMH on the same conditions as the existing disposition.

52The Board arrives at that decision for the following reasons.

53As Dr. Igoumenou testified that Mr. Dennis has made important gains during the current reporting year. He reported consistently in a stable mood and displayed no symptoms of psychosis or problems with his sleep, energy, motivation, or appetite. He exhibited no signs of aggression or violence toward staff. And he has demonstrated some insight into his illness and need for medication and treatment.

54The Board also notes to his credit that Mr. Dennis has had no incidents of violence or aggression since 2013 despite the fact that Mr. Dennis has continued to consume cannabis and at times cocaine. He is medication compliant and administers his oral medication independently and has consistently attended the FOPS clinic once every two weeks to receive his antipsychotic medication injection. Mr. Dennis has also remained in close contact with his mother and daughter who have been reliable sources of support. There have been no hospital admissions.

55On the less favourable side Mr. Dennis has continued experiencing problems with self care and maintaining his living environment in a good state, often requiring reminders about personal hygiene and the poor state of his accommodation. He also continues to have problems managing his finances, often borrowing money from other residents in violation of house rules.

56Of great concern is that Mr. Dennis has continued during the current review year to violate the house rules which he did on 37 occasions between February 2025 and June 2025. This is what has led to the predicament he is now facing with likely eviction. There is a quandary around the cause of his non-compliant behaviour given that Mr. Dennis has been treatment compliant and mentally stable and free of aggressive behaviour despite his ongoing use of cannabis.

57A cognitive assessment report dated September 18, 2024, referred to at page 53 of the Hospital Report, concludes: “Based on the results of the current screening, his past psychological testing results, and file information regarding Mr. Dennis’ time under the ORB, it appears likely that his ongoing issues with adherence to housing rules are related both to his cognitive concerns and his antisocial personality traits.” The assessment results are in accord with Dr. Igoumenou’s testimony at the hearing.

58The Board supports pursuing the suggestions it made, and acknowledged by Dr. Igoumenou, regarding seeking the cause and possible resolution of Mr. Dennis’s ongoing house rule non-compliance, in particular, trying a more intensive drug intervention strategy and CBT and DBT behavioural therapies.

59There was some discussion during Board deliberations about the exception in the conditions that Mr. Dennis not be prohibited from using cannabis, which condition was in place during the previous reporting year. We considered that in some ways this exception appears to be counter intuitive, to permit this when cannabis use has so affected his mental stability and behaviour over the years.

60Upon further reflection we considered that in spite of his more recent use of cannabis in the current reporting year, Mr. Dennis has consistently exhibited a stable mood, displayed no aggressive behaviours, no symptoms of psychosis or problems with his sleep, energy, motivation, or appetite. We also considered the reality of Dennis’s adamance regarding refusing to stop smoking cannabis, a view he has continued to hold true to. The Board ultimately concurred that the cannabis exception should remain among the conditions in the disposition. We take into account that under the other terms of the detention order Mr. Dennis can be admitted to hospital if he were to decompensate in the community. Mr. Dennis continues to seek an absolute discharge. However, the Board finds an absolute discharge is not realistic in the circumstances.

61The Board wishes to extend praise to Mr. Dennis for his areas of progress during the current reporting year. We recognize the challenges he continues to face with house rule compliance and the precarious position this has placed him in securing alternative housing if he is evicted. It is hoped that with successful therapy strategies his difficulties will be ameliorated placing him further along in his progress to meet the goal of obtaining suitable community housing.

62Based on the Hospital Report and the evidence added by Dr. Igoumenou’s testimony the Board concludes, under s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code, that Mr. Dennis remains a significant threat to public safety and that the necessary and appropriate disposition, that is the least onerous and the least restrictive to mitigate threat to public safety, is detention at the General Forensic Service at CAMH on the existing conditions.

63The existing disposition satisfies the paramount criterion under s. 672.54 of protecting the safety of the public and further meets Mr. Dennis’s interests in community re-integration and supports his mental health and his other needs.