Robert McFadden

The Ontario Review Board held an annual review hearing for the accused, who was previously found not criminally responsible for criminal harassment and assault causing bodily harm due to schizoaffective disorder.

The treating psychiatrist testified that the accused is currently symptom-free, compliant with medication, and has strong community support.

The Board accepted the joint submission of the parties, finding that while the accused remains a significant threat to public safety, his risk can be adequately managed in the community.

The Board ordered a Conditional Discharge.

The defendant, Steven Manuel Espinola, was charged with break and enter, kidnapping, unlawful confinement, and assault against his former fiancée.

The court acquitted him of break and enter, finding no intent to kidnap upon entry.

However, the court found him guilty of kidnapping, unlawful confinement, and assault, accepting the complainant's testimony over the defendant's, which was deemed unreliable and illogical.

The kidnapping occurred when he drove her against her will, the assault involved a shove during a struggle for her phone, and the unlawful confinement took place at his home where he prevented her from leaving.

The accused, Charles Clayton Logan and Beverly Anne Knight, were charged with four criminal offences, including possession of hydromorphone for trafficking, possession of a prohibited weapon, and breaches of recognizance.

During the trial, one count was stayed, and the Crown conceded that Ms. Knight should be found not guilty on the trafficking charge.

The court also found reasonable doubt regarding Mr. Logan's breach of recognizance for residency.

The remaining issues focused on Mr. Logan's control and knowledge of the drugs and whether the quantity and dosage were consistent with trafficking.

The court found Mr. Logan guilty of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of breach of recognizance, while Ms. Knight was found not guilty of all charges.